To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Verse 32 contains one of the most misquoted verses in the New Testament. The misquote comes when people and institutions neglect to include verse 31, which provides short but ample context. In the misquoted version, knowledge is key. In the full context, holding to the teachings of Jesus – as disciples – will set you free. In a few chapters later, Jesus expounded upon that by saying He was the way, the truth, and the life (John 10).

The key takeaway to this passage is the subject of the history books: Jesus himself. Being a disciple of Jesus enables us to know the truth. And that truth, yes, will set us free.

…if we will let it.