Slave vs Son (Part 1)
In John 8 of the Bible, Jesus talks about two kinds of people – the slave and the son. Let's break down the differences in simpler terms:
The Slave:
Doesn't Get It: The slave represents someone who doesn't understand important spiritual truths. Jesus says that knowing the truth makes you free, implying that the slave doesn't quite get it (John 8:32).
John 8:32 (ESV) "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
No Stable Place: The slave doesn't have a permanent spot (home) in God's family. It suggests a shaky and temporary connection with God.
Stuck in Sin: A slave is someone stuck in doing wrong things. Jesus says if you're doing wrong, you're like a slave to it (John 8:34).
John 8:34 (ESV) Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
Not Open to the Truth: The slave doesn't like or believe in the truth. When Jesus talks about who He is and the freedom that comes with knowing Him, the slave doesn't buy it (John 8:37).
John 8:37 (ESV) I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you.
All About the World: The slave is more interested in what the world thinks and does. Jesus points out that the mindset of slaves is different from those who are like sons (John 8:23).
John 8:23 (ESV) He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
The Son:
Knows God Well: The son, on the other hand, really knows God. Jesus emphasizes that He knows God and follows His teachings closely (John 8:55).
John 8:55 (ESV) But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word.
Permanent Place: Unlike the slave, the son has a forever spot (home) in God's family. This shows a strong and lasting connection with God. The son isn't affected by sin in the same way.
Free from Doing Wrong: The son is known for not doing wrong things. Jesus says if the Son (referring to Himself) makes you free, you're truly free from the power of doing wrong (John 8:36).
John 8:36 (ESV) So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Likes and Understands Truth: The son is open to and understands the truth. Jesus talks about sticking to His words for real followers, showing that the son values and accepts the truth (John 8:31).
John 8:31 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
Thinking Beyond Earth: The son's thinking goes beyond just what happens on Earth. Jesus highlights that the mindset of the Jews is different from His, indicating that the son's thoughts are more heavenly (John 8:23).
John 8:23 (ESV) He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
To sum it up, in John 8, Jesus uses the terms "slave" and "son" to show two kinds of people – those stuck in sin without understanding, and those who know God well, are free from doing wrong, and think about things from a heavenly perspective.
Jesus shows that through Him, people can move from being slaves to becoming beloved sons who live by the truth.
Key Questions
- In what area are you still a slave?
- What must you let go of or do to abide more in God's word?