The truth will set you free! I hear this quote frequently in both Christian and secular circles. It comes from Jesus’ words in John 8:32. But did you know that it’s actually the second half of Jesus’ statement?

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31-32 (ESV)

The key to being set free by God’s truth is abiding in His word. It’s not enough to know the truth. The enemy knows the truth, but it doesn’t set him free. God’s truth sets us free when we abide in it and become His followers. This is one of many reasons I am truly enjoying this Lent Bible study. What an amazing way to abide in God’s Word as we approach the celebration of His victory over sin and death on the cross!

As you read John 8-10 from our daily Lent plan, what stands out the most to you and why?

John 8

“Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” – John 8:51 (ESV)

John 8 begins with one of the most well-known stories of Jesus’ ministry. A woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus. According to the Law, they had every right to stone this woman to death, but Jesus had other plans when He said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” That day, her sin was forgiven and she was told to go and sin no more. What a beautiful story of God’s love and mercy!

Throughout His ministry, Jesus made one thing clear. We all have a choice to make. Believing in Him means choosing life over death, freedom over slavery, and forgiveness over condemnation. It may seem like an easy choice, but it was one that most of the religious leaders were too blind in their pride to see.

John 9

Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud. – John 9:6 (ESV)

Speaking of blindness, today’s chapter includes one of my favorite miracles of Jesus. It also contains an important lesson in spiritual sight. A man who had been blind since birth was healed by Jesus in a most unusual way. But the story didn’t end there, rather it was laced with controversy. You see, the Jewish people believed that a child who was born with a disability was born that way because their parents had sin in their lives. This man’s parents had undoubtedly endured their fair share of gossip and stares. And now… their son was associated with Jesus. This explains their fear of the Jewish leaders. The last thing they wanted was more controversy. Unfortunately, their need for approval kept them from seeing the truth about who Jesus was (and is) and what He came to do.

John 10

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” – John 10:9 (ESV)

I love the promises found in today’s passage. The sheep know the Shepherd’s voice in verse 4. They flee from the voice of strangers in verse 5. And in verse 9 we see that salvation comes to those who follow Jesus.

I find it so comforting to know that when I abide in Christ, I can know the voice of my Shepherd!

So once again, we are presented with a choice. We can choose to follow the Jesus and enter through the door to find life. Or we can be blind to the truth which ultimately leads to death.

Will you follow Jesus and allow God’s truth to set you free?