John 8:31–36: Freedom from Slavery

The Set-Up

Jesus is talking to a crowd who are just on the edge of believing in Him. He gives them the prerequisite for being a true disciple: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

Then He delivers the well known saying: “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

It sounds poetic, but honestly, while the truth might set you free, it usually pisses you off first. Truth is a disruptor…and you can’t be free until you admit what’s actually holding you back.

The crowd’s reaction? Denial. “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”

Never been slaves? Have they forgotten:

-Egypt? (400 years).

-Babylon? (70 years).

-Persia? Greece?

- Rome? (Looking at Roman soldiers literally standing on the corner by them).

They are lying to themselves, refusing to admit that the system is broken because "we are the chosen ones."

And since He has called them slaves to sin (that which holds us down), He promises: “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

This is the promise: Freedom isn't political independence or winning a debate. It’s Jesus telling us, "You don't work in the darkness anymore. You're family now."

The Takeaways

Truth Hurts, Then Heals. You can't fix a problem you refuse to acknowledge.

Denial is a Prison. The crowd claimed they were never slaves while living under occupation. If you lie about your bondage, you can never be liberated.

Heritage Won't Save You. Being a member of the "right" church/nation doesn't make you free, discipleship does.

Sin is Slavery. It’s not about rule-breaking; it’s about loss of autonomy. It’s doing things you hate because you can’t stop.

The Good News

is that you don't have to pretend you're okay. You don't have to stand there in the crowd and lie about your history. You can admit where you are stuck, where you are addicted, and where you are broken.

The Good News is that Jesus doesn't back down from your slavery; He invites you to stop being a "slave" to the expectations of the world and start being a "son" or "daughter" in the House of God. Here, you’re welcome. Here, you’re family. No matter what.