If you are attentive to the gospel readings so far this week it is clear that there is controversy in the air. The gospels are from John 8 and follow immediately upon the scene of the “woman caught in adultery.” It is important to note that John 7 is filled with back-and-forth arguments between Jesus and the religious leaders about Jesus’ identity. In John 7 Jesus uses terms like “the one sent” and behind closed doors the religious leaders wonder if Jesus is portraying himself as the Messiah or the great-Prophet-to-come as promised by Moses. Ranging behind all this is the question of what is Jesus’ relationship to the Father? Is it something so completely different, so unique, that God is his Father in a way that God is Father to no other human being? This controversy ranges through the whole of the chapter; the issue refuses to stay down or go away.
Consider the opening verse of today’s gospel: “Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples.” (John 8:31) Too often we think that Jesus is speaking to those who believe he is in league with the devil, but here Jesus speaks “to those Jews who believed in him.” But perhaps a better focus would be those who believe, and yet do not believe. These folks were inclined to think that what Jesus said was true. But they were not prepared, like Abraham, to yield him the far-reaching allegiance that real trust implies. Are you?
This is a dangerous spiritual state. To recognize that truth is in Jesus and to do nothing about it, make no changes in your life… it means that in effect you unintentionally aligned oneself with the enemies of the Lord. They’re not doing anything either. Why? Perhaps there is some powerful spiritual force holding back the would-be believer from what is recognized as the right course of action. While it is easy to think of the demonic lurking nearby whispering in your ear, perhaps it is the spirit of consumerism, competition and any one of a host of modern spirit forces that lure us and sap our spiritual energy. Anyone in that position is not free but enslaved.
What does Jesus mean by “enslaved”? Although his audience interprets his words politically or historically (referring to their heritage as Abraham’s descendants), Jesus is talking about spiritual slavery—specifically, slavery to sin.
Jesus redefines freedom and slavery in spiritual terms. He says: “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” (v.34) This means that sin isn’t just an action but a condition or a power that enslaves people. It’s not just about bad behavior—it’s about being in bondage to a force that we can’t break free from on our own. You can be physically free, and not spiritually free. That’s the deeper truth Jesus is pointing to.
True freedom comes from the Son: “So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free.” (v.36) He’s saying that freedom from sin—and the power to live rightly—comes through him. Not through lineage, not through religious observance, but through relationship with Jesus, the Son of God.
“those Jews who believed in him” took offense because they saw themselves as free—descendants of Abraham, chosen by God. They didn’t recognize their own spiritual needs. But Jesus is challenging their sense of identity and self-righteousness, exposing the fact that being religious doesn’t automatically mean you’re free from sin.
A good message for us. Not in all the way, all the time? Therein lies hints of enslavement.
Image credit: Woe unto You, Scribes and Pharisees (Malheur à vous, scribes et pharisiens) James Tissot, 1886-1894, Brooklyn Museum, PD-US