We Know the Truth: Has It Set You Free?
Have you ever believed something that turned out to be false? For years, I think many of us believed in the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy. I’ll never forget the day my mom took me aside and explained that none of them were real. She didn’t want me to get made fun of for believing in make-believe people, but my mind and spirit were crushed. As my upper lip trembled, I collapsed into tears. I felt betrayed. Confused. Heartbroken. Everything I’d ever known was a lie.
Thankfully, what we know about Jesus Christ most certainly isn’t a lie. We don’t have to worry about being let down, led astray, or believing something that turns out to be false. Jesus reminds us that truth isn’t just a concept, it’s something that’s found in Him and Him alone.
In the 21st century, we’re surrounded by figures who tell us to “find our own truth”. We hear words like “love is love” or “define your version of truth.” We heard similar words in John 18:38, just a few chapters later, when Jesus is arrested and condemned to be crucified for claiming to be the Son of God:
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him” (John 18:37-38, NIV). Few believed in Jesus in John 8, and fewer believed in Him in John 18. It wasn’t until after His death and resurrection that many agreed, truly, He was the Son of God, the Messiah, the one we were all waiting for.
Today, each of us is faced with a choice: to believe in Jesus or not. To know the truth and allow it to penetrate our spirits, or to turn astray like sheep, and go our own way. Jesus notes in John 8 that those who believe in Him don’t just confess with their mouths that Jesus is their Savior and Lord, but they abide and remain in His teachings. The word “hold,” here is translated as to continue, remain, or abide. This reveals that discipleship and following Jesus wholeheartedly isn’t just a one-time decision, but a daily commitment to pick up our cross and follow where He leads.
This world will continue to try and persuade each of us with lies—their version of truth that sounds fulfilling, but really only leaves us empty inside. John 14:6 tells us that eternal truth is found in Christ alone. Because it’s His words that bring clarity. Knowing the truth isn’t just head knowledge, but heart knowledge. It’s relational and transformative, penetrating the bone and marrow of our hearts. And you know what the best part of this truth is? It has the power to set us free.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been a slave to many things in my lifetime. From an eating disorder and addiction to exercise to productivity or even good and holy habits, I’ve realized that Christ alone sits on the throne of my heart. And His truth, His light, and easy burden to bear will set us free. That doesn’t mean the Jesus way is free of suffering or hardships. But choosing His truth will free us from sin, shame, fear, cultural lies, identity confusion, you name it. Freedom isn’t the absence of rules, but the presence of Christ guiding us by His loving boundaries.
Questions for Reflection:
Have you struggled to let the freedom of Christ reign in your hearts? What lies have you believed? Are you holding onto Jesus’ words or drifting toward an enticing culture of money, fame, and temporary pleasures? This week, I encourage you to spend some time reading John 8. Ask God to point out any areas of your life that you’re a slave to, and show you how to walk in His true and everlasting freedom. Make a list of why Jesus’ freedom is better than anything the world could ever offer, and how you will exchange the world’s lies for His truth.
