True Freedom
Like love, joy, or peace, freedom is a word that takes on different meanings based on personal interpretation. However, freedom is most understood as the right to choose and do as you please. And this is reasonable as both are freedoms. At the same time, I’m led to wonder is this the whole of what true freedom is?
While choice is a prized freedom, void of guidelines, boundaries, and godly wisdom, it’s often abused and leads to personal bondage. Additionally, in complete contrast to the world’s mantra, “free to be me”, true freedom lies in living confidently as the person God created you to be.
As I considered this, I realized no one is, was, or ever will be any freer than Jesus. Yet, freedom for Him looked radically different from the way most people, including me at times, view freedom. For Jesus, freedom meant total surrender, complete obedience, sacrifice to the highest degree, and outrageous forgiveness. And honestly understanding this greatly challenges me to rethink my own definition of true freedom.
Jesus and Freedom
Admittedly, due to various opinions and the dominant voices of our culture, it’s easy to become confused, and potentially misaligned with a non-Biblical freedom position. Thankfully for us, Jesus’ words addressing freedom are all recorded in Holy Scripture to teach and ground us in the reality of true freedom.
The following are Jesus’ own words regarding freedom. As you read these verses consider what they reveal about the Source and path to true freedom.
“The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, [and] to free everyone who suffers” (Luke 4:18 CEV).
God sent Jesus declaring freedom to the spiritually bound, blind and suffering. And His proclamation of freedom remains relevant for us in those seasons when we too feel trapped, lost, or broken hearted.
“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 8:32 NIV).
The Word of God is perfect, timeless, and eternal. As we read, study, ponder, and memorize it, we are taking positive steps towards living and staying free.
“…[I]f the Son sets you free, you are truly free (John 8:36 NLT).
This freedom we have received in Jesus is a present reality, empowering us to walk confidently purposefully and courageously in our identity as children of God.
Jesus Modeled Freedom
Jesus not only spoke about freedom, He also modeled it perfectly with fearless, courageous actions such as:
Responding to skepticism with consistent truth (John 20:29)
Openly Confronting hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28)
Challenging traditional beliefs and practices (Mark 7:5-13)
Associating with outcasts (Luke 5:27-32)
Demonstrating mercy (John 8:1-11)
Facing, betrayal, abandonment, and accusation (Matthew 26:48-49, 56; Matthew 27:12-13)
And ultimately…
Enduring death by crucifixion (Hebrews 12:2-3)
By the power of the Holy Spirit, we too can live just like Jesus, freely, bravely, and dependently on God.
Additional Freedom Verses to Ponder
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16 ESV).
“[U]se your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13 NLT).
“[W]here the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV).
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free” (Galatians 5:1 NASB 1995).
So perhaps today, or when you have a quiet moment, consider the amazing freedoms you have in and because of Jesus. And, if for any reason, you currently feel bound, confused, or condemned, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth to you about your identity as a loved, free, and highly favored child of God. Then take time listing the freedoms you have in Christ either in your journal or verbally aloud. And finally thank God for setting you free, calling you free, empowering you to live free, and using you to help those who are not free to find true freedom.
Pray
Jesus, I am so grateful for the freedom I have in you. Help me to walk confidently and consistently in this freedom and to share You as the Source of true freedom with others. Amen.
Reflect
In what specific ways are you encouraged today knowing that Jesus has empowered you to live in true freedom?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE or in the Comments section below.