John 8:30-32 - Homiletics

The bondage of the Jews, and the source of true liberty.

The effect of the previous discourse was remarkable.

I. THE INTELLECTUAL ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS BY THE JEWS . "As he spake these words, many believed on him." They accepted his statements, and believed him to be the Messiah. They were not, however, true believers, because Jesus afterwards represents them as seeking to kill him ( John 8:37 ).

II. THE COUNSEL OF OUR LORD TO THE NEW CONVERTS . "If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

1 . The necessity of steadfastness in the truth.

2 . The blessed privilege of steadfast disciples. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

(a) This was more than freedom from Roman rule, which was expected to fall with the advent of the Messiah.

(b) As evil has its stronghold in darkness, the light of truth destroys it, and thus the Christian is freed from ignorance and error, and the indisposition to all good.