Thursday prior to Reformation

 

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 John 8:31-36 – In the Gospel for this Sunday, we learn that God sent Jesus into the world to set men free from sin. 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.

Truth for man is so elusive that many, like Pilate, wonder what truth is. There is widespread skepticism. What is proclaimed as truth today is not what it was yesterday. Who knows what it will be tomorrow?

In addition, there are various kinds of truth: scientific, political, and spiritual. In this passage, Jesus is dealing with spiritual truth concerning God and life.

The truth of Christ frees. It does not mean necessarily societal liberation or political 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 and His glorious resurrection on Easter. Out of his spiritual freedom come other freedoms. If we are free before and in God our Father, we will be content to help and serve our neighbor. 

What truth is — Jesus says, “If you continue in my word” (v. 31). Truth is the word of Christ; He is the truth. 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.

What this truth does — “The truth will make you free” (v. 32). 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.

In the midst of life we are in death
            From whom can we seek help?
From You alone, O Lord,
            Who by our sins are justly angered.
Lord, You know the secrets of our hearts,
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and merciful Savior,
 

O worthy and eternal Judge
            Do not let the pains of death turn us away from You at our last hour
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and merciful Savior,
            Deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.[2]

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[1] Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Media via in morte sumus a 14^th Century hymn, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis