Source/Author: Dr Michael Dalseno

True Freedom, therefore, ultimately comes from only one source – Jesus, the Son of God.

WHOM THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED

By Dr. M.P. Dalseno

This passage of scripture from verse 36 has, as its backdrop, the powerful JOHN chapter 8 themes of Bondage and Freedom.

It all started with the Scribes and the Pharisees confronting Jesus on the Mount of Olives (v.1-3). In an attempt to gain the moral upper hand, they cast at his feet a woman caught in adultery (v.4). This was supposed to have the effect of settling the argument, once and for all, that sin was all related to the Law (v.5). Their argument seemed foolproof, set in cement, and meant to “steal some thunder” from Jesus teachings.  

Instead, unexpectedly, Jesus turned the argument back on them saying that sin was all about Relationship, or the lack thereof; “You neither know Me, nor My Father” (v.19). The adulterous woman was unreservedly repentant, Jesus forgave her sins, and she became truly free (v.11). However, He informed the Scribes and the Pharisees, “you shall die in your sin” (v.21). Their bondages remained.

Hence, the remainder of chapter 8 focuses on the targets of those spiritual relationships – our spiritual Fathers. Three, in fact, are cited here; the Father God (v.19), Abraham (v.39), and the Devil (v.44). Bondage and Freedom has therefore much to do with which spiritual Father one has a relationship with. That’s why the Scribes and the Pharisees were quick to point out that “we have Abraham as our father” (v.39), to which Jesus responded, in effect, “Oh no you haven’t!” (v.39-40). He made it very clear that if they were sons of Abraham they would “do the deeds of Abraham” (v.39). In short, one lives the kind of life that mirrors the spiritual Father one serves.

True Freedom, therefore, ultimately comes from only one source – Jesus, the Son of God. Only He has the will, the resolve, and the capability to permanently set free. Serving anyone, or anything, else will indisputably amount to binding and badgering bondages from which there is no hope of escape. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, Bondages are meant to be foreign to our lives! So be quick to repent, renounce sin, and rebuke all domination of the world and the flesh. We have God as our Father, and therefore we need not hopelessly become “slaves to sin” (v.34). We are totally FREE in Christ (v.36).