Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and John 8:39-47.

As bookends that hold what is between, so do vv. 32 and 58 of our reading hold the center together. The left “bookend” reads, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The right one is: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The center area describes the mounting conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus. As typical in John, the responses of Jesus are on another level, exalted words about what happens to those who adhere to Jesus. They shall “never taste death.”

In John’s Gospel, when Jesus uses the words “I AM,” John wants us to arc back to the very beginning of God’s liberation of God’s people in the Exodus when God revealed the covenantal name to Moses at the burning bush. The name of God given to Moses means, “I AM.” Jesus completes the ancient covenant in himself. All that God wants of us is obedience and adherence to the Lord by faith. Bonded to the truth, we shall then become free.

John 8:31–59

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Knowing truth; being set free v. 32

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Seasons of Lent and Easter this year we read the Gospel of John.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.