Jesus sets out to clearly explain the sin of his audience. If ‘abiding in Jesus’ is the mark of a true disciple, these religious leaders and those who follow them, are far from true disciples. His words are bold and direct. As Jesus always does, his word aims for the heart and exposes duplicitous behavior. We cannot claim to follow Jesus if we do not have fruit in keeping with repentance. This is a clarion call to all of us. If you abide in Jesus, you must walk in the truth because you are free indeed.

I need thy presence every passing hour.

What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?

Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me

“Abide with me” (Henry Lyte, 1847)