When Pilate asked Jesus what truth was, he gave no answer. In this passage Jesus defines the truth. It is in his word, for he spoke God’s Word. As long as we hold to the word of Jesus, we will be his disciples and will know the truth. It is not a truth of science, politics, or economics. It is religious truth personified and spoken by Christ. It is the truth of God and life.
Though it has only two letters, it is a big word. Jesus says we will know the truth and be free “if” we continue in his word. It is possible to lose the word of Jesus through negligence or unconcern. We can fall from the truth and lose our religious freedom if we ever sever ourselves from the Word.
The truth of
Christ frees. It does not mean necessarily political or social independence.
These may follow. It is freedom in and of religion. Truth frees us from false
religious beliefs, superstitions, and practices. Christ’s truth frees us from
the Law. Christ frees us from the bondage of sin by his death on the cross. Out
of this spiritual freedom come other freedoms. [2]
Collect for Grace: O Lord, our
heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, You have safely brought us to
the beginning of this day. Defend us in the same with Your mighty power and
grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger,
but that all our doings, being ordered by Your governance, may be righteous in
Your sight; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with
You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever .[3] -29 October
2021
[1] Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[3] Collect for Grace, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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