Stop Calling Me Beautiful: Finding Soul-Deep Strength in a Skin-Deep World

by Phylicia D. Masonheimer

In John 8, Jesus’s words to His first followers confirm what we have discussed through this entire book: that the Christian life is one of freedom and power, but we have a choice in how much freedom we experience. Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (verses 31-32 ESV). As a Jewish rabbi, Jesus was expected to have disciples. Rabbis, like pastors today, would interpret God’s Word for their followers. Jesus was unique in that rather than adding His interpretation to the Word, He brought the truths back to their original intent. When He told His disciples to “abide in my word,” He was telling them to stay, rest, and live in the original truth of God. This is what true disciples of Jesus do.