In the Gospel passage, we hear Jesus' discussion with the Jewish people as he continues to reveal his identity and his mission to them.

In his teaching, Jesus comments that the life of a true disciple is a life of freedom. Such a life consists in being free from sin, and more importantly, in living as a child of God. However, he emphasises that it is only through "the truth" that one grows in freedom from sin. Therefore, it is only by accepting Jesus who is the truth, because he reveals God through his word, an individual is liberated from sin.

The Jews, however, insist that they are free already. For as descendants of Abraham, they are not subject to other nations because to them, Yahweh alone is their Lord and because they belong to those who are called "the sons of God" (Ex. 4:22-23
Deut. 14:1).

However, Jesus challenges their claims since they cannot be true children of God if they do not believe in him. He shows that true freedom is the life in Jesus himself, acceptance to his truth and submission to his word.

Truly, we become free and live as God's children when we submit ourselves to God and to Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We cannot claim to be free merely because we are members of a church or because we call God our Father. Our lives as Christians have to reflect what we profess to believe or who we claim to be.