John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to the people who had believed in Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (NRSV)
The ancient Greek word for ‘truth’ in our Gospels is pronounced ‘aleethia’. It means something that is absolutely free from pretense, deception, falsehood, or corruption. In the New Testament, it is often attributed to the works and ways of God – something that is absolutely certain, a divine reality which cannot be challenged or changed by human guile or caprice. This truth – the real truth – will remain throughout history and continue into the everlasting realm of God. This is why Jesus declares that He is the Truth – the whole and unassailable truth – which cannot be diminished or destroyed. As Christians, then, we are called upon to seek, know, and live by the Truth for only then, as Jesus wisely stated, will we be made free.
Application: Ponder on what truth actually is and let’s ask ourselves – are we living truthful lives?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach us to value truth above all else, for only real, divine, and sacred truth can set us free. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called ‘Light of Liberty.’. If you would like to view a larger version, please click here.