HOLD TIGHT

Dining with Jesus Christian Episodes

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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Today’s devotional is the first in a series of three that will be working through the teaching that Jesus Christ gave while he was in dialogue with a group of people who had proven themselves to be interested in Jesus, but they were not yet ready to accept his teaching or place their faith in him. 

In this teaching, Jesus Christ speaks to his purpose and mission in such a way that the people were being given access to true and lasting freedom, if they were ready to receive this gift by faith. 

The part of the conversation that we will be focusing on can be heard in the passage that follows:

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

(John 8:31-32 NIV11)

Fans

There were people in these crowds that were ready to take a step toward real faith in Jesus. They witnessed the miracles, they ate the multiplied bread and fish, and they liked a lot of what Jesus had to say about himself and his mission to bring new and eternal life. 

These people were close to becoming true disciples. They were big fans, but they were not ready to commit. Jesus spoke to them about what would be needed for them to move from their current place of bondage to sin and rebellion against God into their new lives as true disciples. 

Hold

Jesus challenged these would be Christians to examine their hold on the message that Jesus was teaching about himself and about their need for the gift of grace. 

If these fans were ready to commit themselves to the teaching of grace and place their faith in the person and work of the Lord, then they would not only be sure of their status as disciples of Jesus, but they would also find the amazing gift of freedom. 

What teaching?

Jesus told the crowd that if they were ready to hold to his teaching, then they would know the truth and the truth would set them free. What a great promise. If we are willing to engage with God’s truth, as found in the teaching of and about Jesus, then we are being given the promise of God that we will find real freedom. 

But what teaching was Jesus referencing here?

If we look back into the teaching that Jesus began earlier in this discourse, we can hear some of the message that was fresh in the minds of the people who were considering this offer of truth and freedom. 

Selection

Below you will find a selection of passages taken from this teaching that all share a great truth worthy of being held tight. 

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

(John 8:12 NIV11)

  •   Trusting in Jesus Christ enables us to move from a place of darkness toward seeing ourselves, this life of ours, and the person of God with clarity and hope. 

19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

(John 8:19 NIV11)

  •   Jesus made it clear many times that he and God the Father were united in person, mission, and purpose. Jesus and the Father were, are, and will always be one, even in their distinct being and person. 

23 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; 

I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

(John 8:23-24 NIV11)

  •   Jesus came into this world but he is not of this world. The Creator entered into creation, but the creation has no effect on the Creator. 
  •   If we choose to deny the truth of Jesus’ true nature, we will die in our sins. If we receive this truth by faith, we will experience forgiveness and grace.

27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.

(John 8:27-30 NIV11)

  •   Jesus Christ proved his true nature and purpose as he paid the high cost of our sin with his own body and blood. 
  •   The Father willed that the Son speak the truth and provide forgiveness and mercy to all that will receive his generosity by holding firm to this truth by faith. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Senior Pastor at PARK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH


Worked at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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