A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (September 8, 2017)
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)
What does “free indeed” really mean? The 1852 Edition of Webster’s Dictionary defines “indeed” as in reality, in truth, and in fact. The Amplified (AMPC) version of John 8:36 relates being made free to being set free from bondage and slavery: So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really (in reality) and unquestionably free.
Did you know that the scripture says Jesus was addressing Jews that supposedly believed on Him when He was speaking of being set free: As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:30-32)
So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. (John 8:31, AMPC)
What we see in the next few verses of John 8 is alarming. These same Jews that purportedly believed in Jesus became offended at His Word when Jesus told them they could be set free. They argued that they were Abraham’s seed and had never been in bondage. Just think about that for a minute! They had never been in bondage? They spent 400 years as slaves in Egypt and were presently in bondage to the Romans, not to speak of all the other bondages over the years like the Babylonians and any sin bondages.
This is a perfect example of the “Parable of the Sower” in Mark 4:17 where the word is sown on stony ground and they first receive it with gladness. However, they easily became offended because they were not rooted in themselves. When Jesus insinuated they needed to be set free they immediately fell back on defending their religious roots and the hatred and anger escalated from there. It really got bad when Jesus told them they were of their father the Devil and not Abraham. These same supposed believers ended up calling Jesus illegitimate, a Samaritan, a devil, and then tried to stone Him to death.
Here is what I think we should see in these scriptures. There is a true reality out there and then there is a false reality. There are people that call themselves believers but have no intention of actually following and abiding in Jesus. It’s not real to them. There is no relationship there.
The false reality includes the carnal thinking man that will never be able to hear and see what Jesus is talking about. It’s a false Gospel that is based on lies from the enemy. It blinds the eyes. When most people that follow this false reality are confronted by the Word they respond with anger, hatred, and bitterness. They will defend their sin and bondages (even religious bondages) and they will try their best to kill or discredit the messenger.
The true reality is one where people love the truth and love freedom. They abide (live in, follow after, are governed by, and welcome correction) of the Word. They are not in any bondage to any religious doctrine of man. They are open to the voice of the Lord and they continue growing and maturing in His Word. True reality is “Good Ground”!
There is a very big difference between false reality and true reality!
And these are they which are sown on good ground, such as hear the Word and receive it and bring forth fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. (Mark 4:20)
