Today's Verse: John 8:31-32

Thursday, August 24, 1961

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
— John 8:31-32
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

At least three times in the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us how we can identify a true disciple of the Lord (John 8:31-32, 13:35, 15:8). This verse is one of those essential verses that tell us who a disciple is. Truth is not just something we know, it is also something we must live. Jesus reminds us that we must not only know his teaching, but obey it, "hold to" it, and live it in our lives. Obedience is one of the proofs of our discipleship and our doorway to freedom and truth. Doing life Jesus' way, holding to his teaching and obeying him, sets us free to live life, and life to the full (John 10:10)!

My Prayer...

Father, forgive us for taking obedience to Jesus' will too lightly. Sometimes his way seems restrictive, challenging, and even impossible to us. However, dear Father, deep in our hearts, we genuinely believe that Jesus' will is a blessing and not a hindrance - it sets us free rather than limits us, and something in our souls resonates with his truth. So please, dear Father, use me to help others find joy in obeying Jesus, too. It is in the Lord Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 8:31-32 — "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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