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

Scribbling in notebooks,
reporters gather round Jesus
as the Savior speaks
of truly following Him:
“If you hold to my teaching . . .”

Seeing a soundbite,
eager editors
quickly snip the if.
If, they say, won’t sell.
Just run with what He promised.

Soon, Hebrew headlines
and Aramaic airwaves
crackle only with
“You will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free.”

Misquoted, taken out of context,
Jesus sighs:
I wanted you to see
all that you could be
if you would truly follow me.

Devotional poem © 2015 Michael Himick. Used with permission.