Have You Been Crushed By The Truth?

"...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” — John 8:32-33

So a little backstory for you. The people of God had been slaves or under foreign control for most of their heritage. This included foreign powers like Egypt (twice), Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Macedonia, Syria, then here, during their time, Rome. God's people were rarely completely free of political control.

However, most Jews viewed their spiritual heritage through the lens of Abraham. Their connection to Abraham and the promises given by God took precedence over all political powers. This is why they got hooked by Jesus's phrase, "set you free." They believed they were presently free because political freedom was not the test of their freedom. Generational connection to Abraham was their means of freedom, evidenced by the act of circumcision. And that's why circumcision was so important to them.

So let's pause here for a second. I want to back up.

Jesus has put himself in harm's way teaching on the Temple grounds even though he knows religious authorities are seeking to kill him. He confronts them on the Temple grounds. Then he persuades many Jews to believe that he is the Christ. Once they do, he then pushes hard on them about their belief. So he tells them what "real" belief looks like. And now he pushes even harder by attacking the assumptions they had made for generations on the topics of freedom and slavery. Jesus tells them that they are presently enslaved and don't even realize it because they have made a lot of spiritual assumptions about their spiritual condition.

No one preaches like this. No one. I don't know any pastor, me included, who speaks, teaches, and preaches this way. Jesus is coming hard after these people. He is testing the legitimacy of their belief in him. He is pushing them deep into the rabbit hole and exposing generational assumptions, incorrect theories about the Messiah, challenging religious leaders, attacking theological heresy, and calling them sinners all at the same time. No one preaches like this.

And that is what is so incredible about Jesus. His words and teachings crush mankind. But once they do and you believe. Truly believe. The same words that crushed you will bring you clarity, giving way to freedom and knowing the One who sets men free.

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? — Jeremiah 23:29

ASK THIS: Has the Word of God crushed you? 

DO THIS: If you have not been crushed by the truth, you will never know the truth.

PRAY THIS: God, may your Word crush my soul and show me your freedom.

PLAY THIS: Broken Vessels.