By the time this discussion between Jesus and the Jews happens, Jesus is well known as one who speaks his mind and backs up what he says with amazing miracles. The culture at that time included a large number of slaves, people who were servants of someone. How they came to be servants or slaves varied greatly. Some were born into slavery, some were conquered peoples. Some actually came into hard times and sold themselves into slavery as a means of staying alive. Regardless of how they came to be in the service of someone else, a slave was not part of the family.
Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
John 8: 35
Prior to this Jesus says, “…everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” Well, that would have to include everyone except Jesus. While Jesus is very careful about not confronting people directly in situations like this, he clearly means that everyone on the planet is a slave to sin, and technically has no place in God’s family. Unlike the slaves, the son cannot not be part of the family.
Q: What hope is there for someone who is a “slave to sin” and who relies solely on following the Mosaic laws as a means to achieving righteousness before God?
Faith, only by faith in God’s work of Salvation and redemption can anyone ever be saved. Just as God chose Israel, He also adopts us into his family.
I find adoption to be one of the most powerful imagery of how we are saved and relate to God.
I agree with Nathan – adoption is a powerful and beautiful imagery. To try to work for salvation and earn our way as opposed to coming as a child is futile. There is no hope outside of Jesus and being found in Him.
Rich & Nathan,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Personally I enjoy watching Jesus think. He gives us a perspective into God’s point of view. Common things in the physical world become metaphors for the larger, more real yet invisible, spiritual realm. God sees us as family or not family, free in Him or slaves to sin. While we humans often like to add shades of gray to our thinking, God sees very clearly, without ambiguity.
I think it’s interesting that Jesus states slaves have no permanent place in the family, but the Bible has several examples of where they are to be included. Such as the Passover circumcision:. There first both of the servants was to be included.
I think you’d shows there was always an intention to graft all of us “slaves” into the family of God.
Nice, Robster!