How Knowing Jesus Sets Us Truly Free
Introduction: The Enduring Promise of John 8:32
There’s something about the words of Jesus in John 8:32 that feels both powerful and deeply comforting: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” In just a few words, Jesus offers a promise that has echoed through centuries—a promise of spiritual freedom. But what does it really mean to be “set free,” and how do these words offer hope for our everyday lives?
Understanding the Context: True Discipleship and Jesus’ Audience
To understand Jesus’ promise, let’s look at the setting. Jesus was speaking to people who had started to believe in Him. He told them, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.” In other words, being a true follower isn’t just about hearing or agreeing with Jesus—it’s about sticking with Him, letting His words shape your life, and actively living out His teachings. Only then, He says, will you “know the truth.”
Defining ‘Truth’: Jesus as the Embodiment of Truth
When Jesus talks about “the truth,” He’s not just talking about facts or rules. He’s talking about Himself. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” The truth that sets us free is found in knowing Jesus personally—not just knowing about Him, but experiencing Him in our lives. He is the living truth, the one who reveals God’s love and purpose for us.
Freedom Explained: Spiritual Liberation from Sin
So what is this freedom? Jesus goes on to explain that everyone who sins is a “slave to sin.” In other words, sin traps us, controls us, and keeps us from living the lives God intended. True freedom isn’t just about doing whatever we want—it’s about being released from the grip of sin and shame. Jesus offers us freedom from guilt, fear, and the things that hold us back. He breaks the chains so we can live fully and joyfully.
Knowing the Truth: Experiential and Relational Aspects
Knowing the truth is more than memorizing Bible verses or agreeing with certain beliefs. It’s an ongoing relationship with Jesus—trusting Him, talking to Him, and letting Him guide your decisions. Think of it like a friendship: the more time you spend with someone, the better you know them. In the same way, the more we “abide” in Jesus’ word, the deeper our freedom grows. It’s an experience that changes us from the inside out.
Bible Translation Examples: Consistency of the Message
Let’s look at how different translations capture this promise:
- NIV: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
- ESV: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
- King James Version: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
- New Living Translation: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
No matter the translation, the message is clear and consistent: knowing the truth brings freedom.
Historical Note: Martin Luther’s Experience of Freedom
History gives us powerful examples of this freedom in action. Take Martin Luther, for instance. In the early 1500s, Luther struggled with feelings of guilt and fear, believing he could never be “good enough” for God. But when he discovered the truth of God’s grace—especially through verses like John 8:32—he realized that freedom isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift from Jesus. Luther’s new understanding sparked the Reformation and helped countless others find freedom in Christ.
Contrast: Deception of Sin Versus Freedom in Jesus
Sin often promises freedom but delivers the opposite. It might look appealing for a moment, but it leads to regret, emptiness, and brokenness. Jesus, on the other hand, offers genuine freedom—a life with purpose, hope, and peace. The difference is clear: the deception of sin keeps us trapped, while the truth in Jesus opens the door to real, lasting freedom.
Conclusion: Abiding in Jesus’ Word for Lasting Freedom
So, what does John 8:32 mean for us today? It’s an invitation to know Jesus, to stick close to His teachings, and to experience the freedom only He can give. If you’re feeling weighed down, stuck, or uncertain, remember that Jesus offers you a way out—not through rules or rituals, but through a relationship. Abide in His word, walk with Him daily, and discover the freedom that comes from knowing the Truth Himself.
Let the promise of John 8:32 encourage you today: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 