Gospel of John 09.vp

Session 4: Giving of Living Water, God’s Eternal Son, Light of the Wor ld 93

A. Jesus’ follow-up lesson for new disciples: Abide in my word, 8.31-32.

1. Condition of discipleship: If you abide in my word , you are truly my disciples, 8.31.

2. This abiding will enable you to know the truth .

3. The truth itself sets you free, 8.32.

a. Greek sense of “truth”: emphasis is on reality .

b. Jewish sense of “truth”: emphasis on integrity and faithfulness to one’s word and character. God Godself is the Truth in this sense.

B. Slavery and inheritance: who is a slave, and who is free, 8.33-38

1. Pharisees’ reply: We are children of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone , 8.33.

2. Jesus’ definition of slavery and liberation

a. Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin ; slaves have no inheritance , the son remains forever , 8.34-35.

b. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed !, 8.36.

3. Jesus defines spiritual parentage: the Pharisees are of the same flesh as Abraham, but not the same spirit; I speak of