Truth — Week 1 – Monday
TODAY’S VERSE
John 8:31-32
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV)
We live in a world where truth feels negotiable. Scroll through social media long enough, and you’ll see phrases like “speak your truth,” “live your truth,” and “no one can tell you what’s true for you.” At first glance, that sounds freeing, but in real life, it falls apart quickly.
A couple of years back, I can remember when my dad began having chest pains. So he went to the doctor, and the tests revealed what we thought: he had a blockage in his heart, and he needed a stent.
Imagine if the doctor said, “Well, the tests show you have a blockage, but if that’s not your truth, feel free to ignore it.” My dad could have ignored his symptoms, but it wouldn’t have changed the truth; it might have even cost him his life if he did. Ignoring reality never helps us.
And no one really wants that kind of flexibility with truth anyways.
Why? Because deep down we know something important: truth corresponds with reality. Truth isn’t something we invent. Truth is something we discover.
That’s exactly what Jesus was addressing in this passage. As people begin believing in Him, He makes a surprising statement: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” In other words, belief alone isn’t the finish line.
The word abide means to “remain, stay, continue, or make your home in.” Jesus is saying to you and me that real disciples don’t just agree with the truth once. They live in it. And notice then the promise attached to that. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
What Jesus does not say is that truth will make you comfortable, popular, or that it will make life easy. No, it won’t do any of that, but it will give you freedom. And freedom doesn’t come from redefining reality. Freedom comes from aligning our lives with it.
And here’s the kicker: Jesus isn’t just offering information about the truth. He is offering Himself.
Later in John’s Gospel, Jesus says something even more direct regarding truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Truth is not simply a concept. Truth is a person. And knowing Jesus changes everything.
APPLICATION
Take 5 minutes today and ask yourself an honest question: Where in my life am I tempted to redefine truth instead of receiving it? Then read John 8 slowly and ask God to help you abide in His Word.
If you’re looking for a practical step, consider joining a Bible study or small group.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for revealing truth through Your Word and through Jesus. Help me to not just hear the truth, but to live in it. Give me a heart that abides in Your Word so that my life reflects what is real and good. Amen.