“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.
At least three times in the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us how we can identify a true disciple of the Lord (John 8:31-32, 13:35, 15:8). This verse is one of those essential verses that tell us who a disciple is. Truth is not just something we know, it is also something we must live. Jesus reminds us that we must not only know his teaching, but obey it, “hold to” it, and live it in our lives. Obedience is one of the proofs of our discipleship and our doorway to freedom and truth. Doing life Jesus’ way, holding to his teaching and obeying him, sets us free to live life, and life to the full (John 10:10)!