Context: (always good to check it)… (8:30) John wrote “Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.” To those people, Jesus added insight. In other words, he was now not addressing the Pharisees who had been dogging his heals with speculations and challenges but those with open ears to actually hear.
He said to the believers, “If you hold to my teaching, you will really be my disciples.” (8:31) Jesus wanted more than a simple decision to put their faith in him. Literally the text is saying, “If you abide in my word” it is then that you are my authentic students. That is when you “will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (8:32)
The implication that they were slaves was a prickly subject. They had celebrated their freedom from Egypt annually for about 1400 years. Roman dominance came uncomfortably close to what slavery felt like. The crowd pushed back, “We’re nobody’s slaves!” (8:33)
Really? You sure?
Here is my personal takeaway: Egypt and Rome’s hold on God’s people is of minor concern in comparison to the grip of my addiction to being in charge of me. Truth? I cannot free myself from that snare. I cannot part that sea. It is buried so deep within my soul I cannot extract it. (that’s a metaphor cocktail to just say, I don’t have what it takes.)
However…
If Jesus sets me free of sin’s chokehold, I can breathe again; or maybe breathe for the first time. Indeed. Certainly. Really. That’s Good News for today.
Hold. Abide. Breathe…FREEDOM!