>>>
John 8:36 - Freedom Like No Other!

John 8:36 (NLT) So if the Son sets you free, 
you are truly free.  

INTRODUCTION

   Knowing Jesus is knowing real freedom. 
Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free 
(8:36). He is the source of truth, the perfect 
standard of what is right. He frees us from the 
consequences of sin, from self-deception, and from 
deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to 
eternal life with God. Jesus does not give us 
freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow 
God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus perfect 
truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be. 
 
   Knowing Jesus is freedom from the power 
of sin. Sin has a way of enslaving us, 
controlling us, dominating us, and dictating our 
actions. Jesus can free you from this slavery that 
keeps you from becoming the person God created you 
to be. If sin is restraining, mastering, or 
enslaving you, Jesus can break its power over your 
life. [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I came out of hand surgery with my 
forearm laid against a plaster splint and wrapped up 
like a huge mummy arm. As the nurse helped me 
dress, she shared a warning that sounded strange. 
Whenever I had to move my numb arm, I should hold it 
down with the other arm; otherwise, it would 
involuntarily fly up and hit my face. A minute later, she 
helped me arrange a sling over my shoulder and sure 
enough, my arm flew up and whacked my nose. Still 
groggy from the anesthesia, I giggled. Thirty-six 
hours later, when the nerve block finally wore 
off, I had bumped my face a lot. After the first 
few times, it ceased being amusing. 
   Mark 5:1-20 records a serious case of 
self-inflicted harm. Jesus met a demon-possessed man who 
lived among the tombs; no one could control him, 
even by binding him with chains. He spent his 
days and nights shrieking and cutting himself 
with sharp stones. After Jesus healed him, the 
villagers were shocked to see the former madman calmly 
sitting with Jesus, fully clothed and in his right 
mind. 
   Most of us probably engage in some form 
of self-destructive behavior, whether 
consciously or unconsciously. Toxic relationships, 
harmful habits, addictions, or unhealthy thought 
patterns, such as my tendency to worry and imagine the 
worst. Change is hard, but Jesus wants to deliver 
me from whatever holds me back from growing 
into the person He created me to be. Jesus wants 
to show me even the most subtle ways I cause 
myself harm so He can set me free. Dianne Neal 
Matthews 
   Faith Step: Ask Jesus to reveal to you 
any self-destructive habits or thought patterns 
that you engage in. Trust His healing touch to 
help you make positive changes. [Mornings With 
Jesus 2022 Devotional by Guideposts and 
Zondervan] 

CLOSING PEARL

YOU THINK I'M IN JAIL.....
is what the young man asked, and it seemed 
like it from where I sat - for he was on the 
other side of the bars. 
   His life story was one continual conflict 
with the law.  He was sent to reform school as 
soon as he was old enough.  He was an "alumnus" 
of the advanced school for incorrigible youth.  
Now he had matriculated into the "big house" - 
his entrance examination came by way of an armed 
robbery. 
   Sitting in the gray atmosphere of prison, 
he was seeking some way of escape - then found 
it in the Bible.  Now, as he expressed it, he 
was no longer in prison; he was free in Jesus 
Christ.  So he emphatically stated, "You think I'm 
in jail?  No way!  You want to know who's in 
jail?"  He swept his hands in a wide circle.  "I'll 
tell you.  All those people who don't know Christ 
- they're the ones in jail." 
   I wonder how many people have really 
considered the freedom in being a steward of God.  The 
only other alternative is slavery to Satan.  One 
or the other. 
   Jesus said if we made the kingdom of 
heaven our first consideration, all the things we 
normally worry about would be provided for us by His 
Father. 
   But too many people don't want to be 
stewards, and find themselves in slavery to the devil 
- slaves to habit, slaves to vices, slaves to 
fashion, slaves to jobs, slaves to uncertainly and 
concern. 
   God doesn't want us to be slaves to 
anything.  He wants us to be obedient and trustworthy 
... free! [SDA Stewardship Devotional] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

John 8:36 - Freedom Like No Other!

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211028-0904.html 

John 8:36 - Freedom Like No Other!

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080703-1935.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs