Truth — Week 1 – Tuesday
TODAY’S VERSE
John 8:33
They answered him, “We are the offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” (ESV)
Back when I first turned 16, I can remember getting my permit and leaving the courthouse with my dad. I excitedly climbed into the driver’s seat of his Ford Explorer for the first time to hit the road. At first I was nervous. I asked a lot of questions and at one point, my dad looked down and said, “Are you driving with two feet?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Ahh, no.” I knew then I was a bit clueless. Fortunately, we got that sorted out to a single foot.
However, a few weeks later I slowly became confident. Sometimes too confident. More times than not, I told my parents, “I’ve got it, I don’t need help.”
From the driver’s seat, it felt like freedom. But from the passenger seat, it was probably more like torture and grave concern for their lives. But what I realized looking back at those moments is that they saw things I didn’t notice: cars approaching, blind spots, and dangers ahead.
Confidence doesn’t always equal awareness. Sometimes we feel most confident right before we realize how much we still need help.
That’s exactly what happens in John 8:33. When Jesus talks about freedom, the crowd immediately responds: “We have never been enslaved to anyone.” What makes this statement so strange is that it’s absurd. Historically the Israelites had been enslaved by Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. In fact, at that particular time Rome was literally occupying their land!
So why would they say this? Because they weren’t talking about political freedom, they were talking about spiritual pride.
They believed they were spiritually sound because of their heritage. After all, they were descendants of Abraham, and because of that, they assumed they were spiritually free.
However, Jesus knew what was going on and he was about to reveal something uncomfortable. You can look free on the outside while still being enslaved on the inside.
That’s still true today. People often define freedom as the ability to do whatever they want. But many of the things people chase for freedom end up controlling them.
Success can become an addiction.
Approval can become a prison.
Pleasure can become a trap.
We convince ourselves we’re free because we’re choosing those things. But over time they begin choosing for us. The crowd thought they were free. Jesus knew they weren’t.
And until someone recognizes their need for freedom, they will never seek the One (Jesus) who provides it.
APPLICATION
Ask yourself honestly today: where in my life do I assume I’m fine spiritually, when I actually need Jesus’ help?
Invite God to search your heart and reveal any areas where pride or self-reliance may be hiding deeper needs.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see my life clearly. Remove any pride that keeps me from recognizing my need for You. Give me humility to receive the freedom You offer. Amen.