You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free

One of the most popularly quoted passages gets right to the heart of the Christian walk: truth and freedom.

You shall know the truth,
and the truth shall set you free.
(John 8:32)

Unfortunately, I think most people miss the point of this passage. Let’s look at the context of this verse and consider what Jesus was teaching.

First Jesus taught that he was the “light,” which is consistent with John 1:1-18; John 14:6; 1 John 1:5-10.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12)

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:23-24)

Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. (John 8:30)

Then Jesus taught that he was the “truth,” which is consistent with John 14:6; 2 John 1:1-13.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:34-36)

Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” (John 8:46-47)

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple. (John 8:58-59)

In case anyone didn’t understand what he was saying, Jesus repeated it twice:

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

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

And, then he taught it again…

Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:6-7 NLT)

Don’t let anyone deceive you with other “truth,” which obscures the gospel of Jesus Christ, the “truth” you need to know is Jesus Christ…

This letter is from John, the elder.
I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth—because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever.
Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love. (2 John 1:1-3)