The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

John 8:25-32, “So they were saying to Him, ‘Who are You?’ Jesus said to them, ‘What have I been saying to you from the beginning?’

26 “I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world.”

27 They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father.

28 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.

29 “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”

30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.

31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;

32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

There’s an old saying, attributed to author Mark Twain, that says, “Always tell the truth, and you won’t have to remember anything.”

Somewhat earlier in the Scripture cited above, the LORD Jesus was engaging with the Pharisees regarding a woman accused of committing adultery. The Scribes and Pharisees wanted the woman to be stoned, according to the law. But Jesus knew the motives of the woman’s accusers; and it was on this very occasion that He stooped and wrote on the ground: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Even further, He said, “…’you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (v. 32).

Jesus always emphasized truth! Yes, the woman’s accusers were emphasizing truth when they cited the Law; yet, it was truth that supported her accusers’ contention that she should be stoned to death. Isn’t it strange how they (and sometimes we) manipulate the Scripture into saying what suits the accuser, rather than citing things clearly and accurately and allowing Him to apply it? Jesus is the Truth (v. 36)! He’s the One we need to consider when we’re so quick to cite the wrong in other people’s lives. Let’s all just admit that we’re also guilty and ask our LORD’s forgiveness. Then, we “…will know the truth, and the truth will make [us] free.”

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have.”

–Corrie ten Boom