Who is Truly His Disciple?

Be Strong, Be Well — Sunday, July 5

When Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32), He wasn’t talking about just any truth or any kind of freedom.

When the Jews heard those words, they assumed the Lord was talking about world affairs, governments, and their own political situation. “They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" (8:33). Little did they know, at that very moment, they were being held captive by sin, pride, and unbelief.

The context of Jesus’ statement is important and worthy of our consideration and application. The freedom He was talking about was prefaced by abiding in His word and “truly” being His disciples (8:31). The KJV says, “disciples indeed.”

Look back to verse 30 and take note of those to whom Jesus was speaking. It was those who “believed in Him.” This mean there’s a difference between one who hears, believes (and even obeys the gospel and initially becomes a disciple), and one who continues to abide in His word and is truly His disciple. It takes more than just beginning our journey in Christ, we must finish.

There is so much more to being a “disciple indeed” than what some might think. Truly being Christians is being busy abiding in His word—reading, studying, meditating on the truth God has revealed to us, then putting it into practice. This is our lifeline to freedom from sin and the control of the devil. —Chris