It seemed very promising as Jesus addressed the crowd regarding his identity, stressing the importance of believing he is who he claims to be. There seemed to be a significant response – ‘many put their faith in him’ (v30). As Jesus continues to teach, however, a different picture emerges. When he tells the crowd about what believing in him really means, superficial views of discipleship are quickly swept away. Jesus’ words expose the hearts of his listeners. We consider John 8:31-32 True discipleship.
1. Believing in Jesus
In v31 Jesus addresses ‘the Jews who had believed in him’. This raises the question ‘Is this the kind of belief that brings sinners to salvation?’ Is this saving faith? The reactions of these people as Jesus confronts them with the nature of true discipleship in v31-32 makes it clear they have not been changed inwardly by what they have heard. Eventually the Lord says,’ You belong to your father, the devil’ (v44). Scripture makes it clear there are ways of ‘believing’ that do not save. Acceptance of certain facts is insufficient without personal commitment.
2. Remaining in truth
The crucial test of discipleship is found in v31 ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples’ (ESV). There must be steadfast remaining in the truth, in contrast to the seed among the thorns and stones (Matthew 13:5-7). The ‘word’ of Jesus is all that he reveals about his person and work. The true disciple does not select the parts he will accept – it is all ‘the truth’ (v32). In fact Jesus himself is ‘the truth’ (John 14:6). There must be personal commitment to the One who embodies the truth. There is no conflict between believing the truth and believing in Jesus. The ultimate test of true discipleship is perseverance (2 John 9).
3. Growing in knowledge
The result of remaining in the truth is stated in v32 ‘Then you will know the truth’. Once committed to him, the true disciple will grow in understanding of the truth, moving on from ‘milk’ to ‘solid food’ (Hebrews 5:12). Faith in the Lord is essential for understanding the truth. Without faith, our grasp of the truth will be superficial. Beginning from faith, disciples understand the things of God, which are ‘spiritually discerned’ (1 Corinthians 2:14). We have the ministry of the Holy Spirit who blesses our use of whatever ability God has given us.
4. Living in freedom
A growing grasp of the truth has profound results – ‘the truth will set you free’ (v32). 2 effects:
(i). Free from sin. Knowledge of the truth exposes our sin, leading to repentance, a daily necessity. The word produces ‘godly sorrow’ (2 Corinthians 7:10). The truth also protects from sin – Psalm 119:11 ‘I have hidden your word in my heart…’
(ii). Free for living. The truth guides in the way of godliness, and obedience is the essential test of love for God (1 John 5:3). We were created for such a life, to God’s glory.