There were those who heard the words of Jesus and believed Him. However, believing in Jesus, is but the doorway to a very big house. In John 8:30-36, Jesus therefore, gives further instruction. This teaching began as He taught new believers how to be His disciples, the way of truth and a bit about slavery.
How to Be Disciples
Beyond believing lay discipleship. To be a disciple of Jesus required something. “If you abide in My word, you are my disciples,” Jesus taught them. Abiding implies a commitment. Read my word, make it your home, the key has turned, open the door, take off your shoes, put on your slippers and get comfortable. This is your new home. Your life will flow from here.
The Way of Truth
Jesus continued to teach, “It is in My word that you will find truth. The truth that you find will set you free.” Jesus is the incarnate Word. He identified Himself as being “the way, the truth and the life.” As His disciples, reading His word and allowing it entrance to their hearts, they would know the truth about God the Father and His Son Jesus. As the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:2, the word of God transforms as the mind is renewed. They would learn that for one, in Christ Jesus, sin would no longer be able to hold them captive.
A Bit About Slavery
When Jesus taught them how truth would set them free, they argued with Him. “We are Abraham’s descendants. We have never been in bondage to anyone.” My mind goes to the years they spent in slavery in Egypt. Perhaps they had forgotten. Jesus goes on to tell them that anyone who commits sin is a slave. They are slaves to sin. He tells them the difference between a slave and a son. A slave isn’t a part of the family. He is only there to do his duty with no other choice. A son on the other hand is a member of the family, in a relationship of love and commitment to one another. In God’s family, it was about living forever as a son. “If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.”
The discussion continued as John records in verses 37-47 and then 48-59. This teaching began as He taught new believers how to be His disciples, the way of truth and a bit about slavery.