Takeaways

In this passage, we continue to see people who are drawn to Jesus and those who are turned off and want to reject Him.  There are several “IF” statements that Jesus makes.  These provide evidence of the identity we can have in Jesus, one of freedom and growing discipleship – not a to-do list to become a disciple.  It’s “because of” (believing and receiving) not “in order to” (get right with Him.)

Let’s take a look at some of the “if” statements and some thoughts about each:

Verse 31 – “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

• “Abide” means to continue to live in 
• A deeper, richer, fuller life growing out of initial belief
• A life that looks like living in freedom.

Verse 35 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

• Jesus offers true freedom, but we can choose to remain stuck in sin.
• Jesus gives us rights as sons
• Jesus sets us free from any identity besides Himself.

Verse 39 – “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did.”

• They thought they were Abraham’s children, but did not lead the life of faith Abraham did
• Abraham was a friend of God, but they did not want to be a friend of Jesus.
• They would love Jesus if they truly were living in the faith Abraham did.

Verse 42 – “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here.”

• He’s sharing facts without worry of persuading them – he knows the Father is the one doing the drawing to Himself
• His only concern was conveying the word of God correctly.
• We can live in freedom without worrying about the results of our conversations. Be available to share the word of God accurately.

Verse 51 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

• Jesus knows that not everyone in the crowd is prone to reject Him
• Those who abide in Jesus have truly believed. You will abide because of being drawn to Him and believing, and thus will keep His word.
• For believers, death does not win.

Verse 54 – “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me.”

• Jesus is not “done” with these people despite an ongoing, unproductive conversation
• He tells them I AM – which would have been considered blasphemous. 
• He exposes His hearers. 

If you are truly a disciple, you WILL abide in Jesus. It’s not “Five Steps to Closer Abiding with Jesus.”  This is evidence, not assignment.  It is diagnostic, not prescriptive.  

Believers are already identified with Christ – we can live in freedom!

Reflection Prompters

1. Go back through the process and identify for yourself all the “if” statements. What is God personally telling you in each one?

2. Think of a time when you’ve had what you consider to be an unproductive (perhaps ongoing) discussion.  What does God want from you in continuing to relate with that person?

3.  Examine Jesus’ posture throughout the conversation.  What do you notice? How does that inspire you in interacting with others?

4. How much do you rest in your identity in Christ? Are there areas of life in which you could grow in your freedom?

5.  Truths to meditate on, write out, and pray over:

• I can live in freedom because of my identity in Christ.
• I abide because of being drawn and believing in Jesus, not in order to earn His favor.
• I am not responsible for the decisions people make about Him, but I am responsible for conveying His words in a loving, gracious, accurate way.
• The Son has set me free! I am free indeed!
• (From the worship set.)  Worthy is the lamb – Worthy!