JOHN 8:34-36

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

TO PONDER

In John 20:17, Jesus has just risen from the dead and refers to his disciples for the first time as his 'brothers'. I love this fact because it shows us that something changes in our relationship with Jesus, our relationship with God, in light of the resurrection. On Friday they were disciples, on Sunday, they were set free and were his brothers.

And it is not a coincidence that Jesus uses this language. It is only because he, the Son of God, has set them free that they can now be rightly called, brothers [and sisters] in Christ.

Jesus knew this was coming, he eludes to it in today's reading from earlier in John's gospel. But the great thing about being a son or a daughter of God's family, is that your place in God's family is yours for as long as you accept it. Just like in an everyday family, you can choose to go out on your own, but it doesn't mean you are "cut off". The minute you return you are welcomed back with open arms.

You can go out on your own, live life the way you choose, live outside of the guidance of your Heavenly Father. It won't stop Him loving you, but it is dangerous. It's a path that often leads to bondage and slavery to all kinds of things that suck and drain the life out of you. That's not what the Father wants for you. Life freely with him as his children and know what it mens to be truly free.

PRAYER: Jesus, my brother and friend, help me to recognise and live within the will of God, our Heavenly Father. Help me to know more of the freedom I have to live as one of His children and teach me to treasure the privilege of being able to truely call you my brother. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle