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You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

Jesus of Nazareth

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You Will Know The Truth

Topic: Truth, Law, & Principle

Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus of Nazareth is a cornerstone of spiritual thought, a figure whose influence transcends the boundaries of religious affiliation. Born around 4 BCE in Bethlehem, he is primarily known as the foundational figure of Christianity but also holds a significant role in Islam as a prophet. His life journey, from his humble birth to his baptism by John the Baptist, was marked by a public ministry that centered around themes of love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice. These teachings were accompanied by miraculous events, garnering a community of followers and disciples. His message aimed to shake the foundations of existing religious practices that were rigid and exclusive, offering instead a path rooted in compassion and inclusivity.

The Universal Christ concept enriches our understanding of who Jesus was and is. Especially emphasized in Franciscan traditions and mystical Christianity, this idea posits Jesus as a unique but not isolated manifestation of God's ongoing presence and action in the world. Through this lens, Jesus isn't just a figure confined to a particular time and space; he becomes an enduring representation of divine love and compassion. He serves as a window through which we can understand how God interacts with the world, offering a model for a potential divine-human union that respects the dignity and sacredness of all life forms.

In harmonizing these perspectives, we recognize Jesus both as a historical figure and as a transcendent representation of divine compassion. Whether viewed through the lens of traditional faith narratives or the broader scope of the Universal Christ, Jesus emerges as a teacher who calls us to enact love and compassion in our lives. His teachings, whether seen as divine or profoundly humane, offer a framework for community and interconnectedness that continues to be relevant across different cultures and religious beliefs. In a world often fractured by division and lack of understanding, the multi-faceted legacy of Jesus offers a timeless lesson in the transformative power of compassion.

Christianity
The Gospel of John

Jesus. "The Gospel of John." The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version, Second edition of the New Testament, Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1971.

Jesus of Nazareth


Theme: Truth

About This Jesus of Nazareth Quotation as reported in John 8:31-32 [Commentary]

The quotation from Jesus of Nazareth, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free,” found in the Gospel of John, speaks profoundly to the transformative power of truth. This statement is rooted in the context of spiritual adherence and discipleship. When Jesus addresses those who believed in him, he is indicating that a commitment to his teachings is a pathway to understanding a deeper truth. This truth is not merely factual or intellectual; it is a truth that liberates. In the spiritual context, this liberation is often understood as freedom from ignorance, sin, or spiritual blindness. The emphasis is on an experiential knowledge of truth, one that comes from living in accordance with Jesus’ teachings and words.

Delving deeper into the essence of truth as conveyed in various wisdom traditions, we find a common thread: the belief that truth, or the Eternal Word, pre-exists and guides the creation and functioning of the universe. Across different cultures and religions, truth is often seen as an all-pervasive principle that operates through physical, moral, and spiritual laws. For instance, in Christianity, truth is personified in Christ, embodying the perfect manifestation of the Word. Similarly, in Buddhism, the understanding of truth transcends surface phenomena and requires a detachment from the external world. These perspectives highlight that truth is not only a concept to be understood but a reality to be lived and experienced. This aligns with Jesus’ emphasis on continuing in his word as a means to truly know the truth.

In light of these diverse yet interconnected views, Jesus’ statement invites us to consider truth as something more than an abstract concept or a mere collection of facts. It points to a living, dynamic process of engaging with the world and ourselves. For Christians, knowing the truth through Christ is a journey towards moral and spiritual enlightenment. For others, it might represent a path to understanding the fundamental principles of the universe or achieving a state of moral integrity. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the essence of Jesus’ message is clear: truth is transformative, and it is through our commitment to seeking and living this truth that we attain a form of freedom that transcends the material world. This freedom is not just an external liberation but an internal awakening to the deepest realities of existence.

Jesus’s Words Reported In John 8:31-32

Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Jesus. “The Gospel of John.” The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version, Second edition of the New Testament, Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1971.

John 8:31-32

“The Bible teaches that personal change starts with truth. It is the truth that sets you free! The Apostle Paul says, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him…” (Ephesians 4:21 NLT, second edition). Who is the truth? Jesus, and because Jesus is the truth, he will always tell you the truth. His Word is the truth…
What you hear on television or read in books isn’t always going to help you, because it’s not always the truth. Have you learned that? But what God tells you is always going to be the truth. God’s Word shows you how to get back to the life you were created to live, and then it shows you how to stay on God’s path.
This is why it is so important for you to have a daily quiet time in the Word of God: Change requires learning the truth. As long as you build your life on a foundation of lies, misconceptions, deceptions, or half-truths, you will never change. But when you face the truth and respond to the truth, you will begin to see change in your life.”

―Rick Warren [The Truth Will Set You Free, January 1, 2017].