John 8:32 Context
As mentioned in previous chapters, the book of John was written by the apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest friends while on his earthly ministry. It is believed that this was the last of the Gospels to be written.
In chapter 20, John states that the book was written: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name” (v. 31).
John 8:32 Meaning
Do you ever feel trapped by your fears? As if you can’t get away from them regardless of what you do? They just keep coming back, tormenting you with thoughts of calamity or worries about what the future holds.
Jesus wants to set you free!
In this section of John chapter 8, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees and other Jews. After telling them that he is God’s very Son, some of them believed.
To these believing Jews, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
But free from what? Jesus answers that question two verses later: “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” Jesus says that knowing the truth and holding to his teaching will set us free from sin.
But what does that have to do with anxiety and worry, the themes of this book? Right after Jesus talks about being a slave to sin, he says that a slave is not part of the family.
In other words, when the truth sets us free from sin, it also sets us in the Father’s family forever. And being in that family is the source of peace and the only way we can be free of fear.
A slave is treated as property, whereas a family member is loved. Which one do you think has a reason to be fearful?
John 8:32 Application
Sometimes we forget that sin is the opposite of freedom. We think sin is freedom to do as we want, but it’s really a prison that keeps us from God.
Focus on God’s truth today and hold on to Jesus’ teaching. Are there any areas of your life where you’ve been ignoring him? Confess those and remind yourself that he forgives you and that you’re a member of his family forever.
“Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’”