Happy 4th of July! It’s a joy to celebrate the freedom we have in our country and to remember those who have fought and died to win it and to keep it. The Founding Fathers of our country gave us a beautiful gift in our freedom. We should never forget it. Jesus also gave us the gift of freedom. What did Jesus say about the freedom we have in him?
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:36
Jesus came to give us a different kind of freedom. The freedom we have in our country is but a shadow image – an earthly simile – of the eternal, spiritual freedom that Jesus gives us.
Three Ways Jesus Gave Us Freedom
There are (at least) three ways in which Jesus brought liberation.
1. He brought freedom for us as the oppressed.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” — Luke 4:1
Jesus came preaching good news for those whose lives were filled with bad news. He came to preach to the poor, the hurting, the outcast, and the forgotten (Lk. 4:18-19). He spoke of banquets where everyone (not just the elite) was invited to attend (Matt. 22:9). He healed the sick (Mark 1:32; 6:55). He gave sight to the blind (Jn. 9:32). He touched the unclean and made them clean (Lk. 5:13).
Jesus came to proclaim that each person is of ultimate value to God, no matter their station or situation in life. In so doing, he freed us from the oppressive forces of shame and condemnation (Rom. 8:1).
2. He brought freedom for us as human beings.
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
Jesus came to completely level the playing field. He came to give us freedom by eradicating all the lines that we draw. We are not all the same – we don’t all have the same gifts – but, we are all equal in value in the eyes and heart of Jesus.
- Jesus healed Gentiles as well as Jews (Matt. 15:28).
- Jesus cared for the slave as well as the free (Matt. 18:13).
- Jesus called women as well as men to be his disciples (Matt. 27:55; Lk. 8:1-3; 10:39, 42; Rom. 16:1, 7).
3. He brought freedom for us as sinners.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
Ultimately, Jesus came to free us from slavery to sin. We have no ability to conquer the sin that enslaves us. Paul tells us that this condition of slavery to sin is a part of the human condition (Rom. 3:23). He also tells us that this sin condition leads to spiritual and physical death (Rom. 6:23). Our only hope is the saving love and grace of Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10). Jesus came to give us life (John 10:10). His life frees us from the threat of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
Enjoy your 4th of July Celebrations … and the freedom you have in Jesus!
