John 8:32
You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
John 8:32 is part of a larger passage in the Bible that recounts a conversation between Jesus and a group of Jews who were questioning him. In the preceding verses, Jesus declares himself to be the light of the world and asserts that those who follow him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life (John 8:12). This claim is met with skepticism and challenges from the Jews who ask him to prove his testimony (John 8:13).
In response, Jesus explains that his testimony is true because he knows where he came from and where he is going, but the Jews do not know either (John 8:14). He also points out that even their own law requires two witnesses to establish the truth of a matter, and he has two witnesses: himself and the Father who sent him (John 8:17-18).
However, the Jews continue to challenge Jesus, accusing him of being demon-possessed and insulting Abraham, the father of their faith (John 8:33-41). Jesus responds by asserting that they are not children of Abraham, but rather children of the devil, because they are not doing what Abraham did or what God desires (John 8:39-44).
Finally, Jesus makes the statement in John 8:32: "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." This statement follows a discussion about slavery and freedom, where the Jews claim that they have never been slaves to anyone (John 8:33). Jesus points out that they are actually slaves to sin and that only he can set them free (John 8:34-36).
Thus, the truth that Jesus speaks of is the truth about himself, his identity as the Son of God, and the way to true freedom from sin and slavery. Knowing this truth, and believing in Jesus as the way to freedom, is what will truly set a person free. This is the message of hope and salvation that Jesus offers to all who would believe in him.
