John 8:31-42

The modern emphasis on freedom can sometimes sideline the importance of shared truth and lead to fragmented, individualistic worldviews. Drawing on Jesus' words from the Gospel (John 8:31-42Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."They answered him, "We are Abraham's seed, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, 'You will be made free?'"Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.A bondservant doesn't live in the house forever. A son remains forever.If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.I know that you are Abraham's seed, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you.I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father."They answered him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham didn't do this.You do the works of your father." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father, God."Therefore Jesus said to them, "If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven't come of myself, but he sent me.), particularly "The truth will set you free," the preaching highlights that authentic freedom is inseparable from a commitment to truth.