John 8:31-38

WeDaily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 8:31-38, NLT) 31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. 37 Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. 38 I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.” 

Observation

• Jesus speaks directly to the new believers. He explains that they are true disciples “if they remain faithful to [his] teachings.” This is a conditional statement, and if the conditions of the second part of the sentence aren’t met, then the first part of the sentence is null and void. To truly be a disciple of Jesus, one must remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus. 

• Knowing the truth will lead to freedom. 

• The people are confused because they aren’t slaves anymore. So, when Jesus tells them that they need freedom, they don’t understand.

• Jesus explains that everyone is a slave to sin. This is the reason Jesus has come to the world. 

• A distinction is made between a slave and a son. Slaves aren’t permanent members of the family, but sons are permanent members of the family. 

• Jesus is a permanent member of the Trinity (God’s family) and we are being invited to become sons within this same family. Once we become permanent members of God’s family, we can truly be free from sin. 

• The problem, Jesus explains, is that “we have no room in our hearts” for the message of Jesus.

Application

• Belief is the starting point, not the finish line. 

• If I remain faithful to the teaching of Jesus, then I can have full assurance that I am truly his disciple. 

• My sonship allows me to live in freedom every day of my life.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for providing a path to freedom for me. May my heart to fully open to you. May every room in my heart be open to you. Fill every part of my heart with your presence. I desire to live free today. Help me to live as a son and not a slave. May I know the truth (Jesus) and experience the freedom that comes from this relationship. Thank you for loving me! In Jesus name, amen. 

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