'Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father (Jn. 8:31-38).”'
Jesus told his disciples that his word will set them free if they are true disciples. The nonbelievers in the crowd did not see themselves as being enslaved. They thought of physical enslavement as when they were enslaved in Egypt. This became more ironic when the Chief Priests told Pilate, “We have no king but Caesar (Jn. 19:15).” Since they do not understand that they are slaves to sin they will remain slaves. Salvation is not based on one’s status as a descendant of Abraham. Salvation is based on remaining in God’s word and remaining in the Son; “'Remain in me, as I remain in you (Jn. 15:4).” Only the Son of God can make one free. The Jews are descendants of Abraham but is he really their father in God’s eyes? The physical defendants of Abraham are seeking to kill Jesus. They neither keep God’s commandments nor recognize Jesus as being sent by God.
Almighty God, your son told his disciples that true freedom lies in hearing your word and acting on it. Let your grace awaken our hearts that we may hear your word, understand, be converted and seek your forgiveness. Grant us knowledge of the mysteries of your kingdom that our deeds may be pleasing to you. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Expanded Edition, Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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