31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
INTRODUCTION
We should not be content to remain mere believers but grow in as a disciple of Christ. In John 8:31-32, Jesus challenged the Jews to be His disciples. Jesus told the Jews that His disciples will know the truth and it will set them free.
BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST
31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. John 8:31
Having spoken to a group of Jews, some had placed their faith in Jesus (Jn 8:30) but they had not sincerely believed in Jesus because eventually they turned away from Jesus (Jn 8:59). A believer and a disciple are distinctly different.
The Greek word used for a disciple is mathetes [math•ay•tes], which means a learner or pupil. A “disciple” was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher.
In this verse, Jesus stated a requirement for us to qualify as disciples. He was telling us to obey and carry out his commands. One of Jesus’ most important commands was to reach out to the lost (Mt 28:19). People need God in the world today. They need to know that there is still hope for their souls and eternity. They need to have someone point them in the right direction, otherwise they would not have the opportunity to know God (Rom 10:14).
Believers merely profess the name of God with a religious conviction whereas disciples are people who carry out their master’s commands and discharge of duties faithfully. Let us be true disciples of Jesus Christ, bearing His torch and bringing the good news to the lost souls. Jesus pointed people to the perfect standard of God to help them be aware of their need for God.
BE FREE IN CHRIST
32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
In this verse Jesus proclaims the truth will set us free. The Greek word for ‘truth’ is aletheia [al•ay•thi•a] which refers to the gospel that will release people from the shackles of spiritual oppression and sin. We are all enslaved by sin’s bondage (John 8:34).
People remain addicted to smoking, wanting to quit but never finding the strength to do so. People harbor bitterness in the hearts, unable to forgive those who did them wrong; they live in misery for years and the darkness that clouds their hearts soon overpower their soul. But rejoice for Jesus has the power to set people free.
The Greek work for ‘free’ is eleutheroo [el•yoo•ther•o•o] means set at liberty from the dominion of sin.
CONCLUSION:
A true disciple of Christ will obey God’s commands. One of His commands is to share the gospel so that people can be set free from the bondage of sin and have a personal relationship with God. Let us choose today to be that disciple!
What is the different between a disciple of Christ and a mere believer?
Share how Christ has set you free?
