Jesus is the source of true freedom. Although America is a land of political freedom, it’s home to many forms of oppression. According to estimates:
15 million struggle with alcohol abuse
23 million struggle with a drug addiction.
40 million regularly visit porn sites
Plus there’s gambling, gaming, prescription drugs, sex trafficking and many other types of physical, emotional, and psychological bondage. But Jesus delivers us from it all.
Jesus is the source of true freedom. He delivers you from an oppressive lifestyle
Jesus sat by a well one day and when a Samaritan woman came to draw water in the afternoon, he asked her for a drink. Other women from the city did this chore together in the cool of morning. But she came alone in the heat of the day. Why? Jesus points out the reason during their conversation. A lifestyle choice that made her a social outcast.
There is probably more to the story because you get the impression that she is trapped by circumstances. But Jesus gains her attention with an offer of hope. If she knew who he was she would ask him for “living water.”
And his offer extends to us today. When you recognize Jesus for who he is and ask, he will satisfy your thirst for freedom from oppressive circumstances.
Jesus is the source of true freedom. He delivers you from mental, emotional, and psychological oppression
A man who was mentally tormented by demons presented himself to Jesus. Mentally deranged and incredibly strong, he was a danger to others and inflicted harm on himself. So he was homeless and ignored by society, left to fend for himself, and made his home among the tombs where he cut himself with sharp stones.
Someone must have told him about Jesus. Because in a moment of mental clarity, driven by hope, he runs to and falls at the feet of Jesus in an act of desperation. Jesus casts out the demons and the man regains a sound mind.
This is not to suggest that the mental illness we know today is all caused by demons. Or reject modern treatment methods that calls for medication and counseling. But it is to claim that the authority and power of God reigns supreme. He knows your heart, mind, and soul. And He is the absolute source of physical, mental, and spiritual wholeness.
Jesus delivers you from the oppression of sin
One day Jesus taught a crowd of people in a home. So crowded that four men who brought their paralyzed friend for Jesus to heal, cut a hole in the roof and let the man down on a bed. Amazed by their faith, Jesus healed the man. But first, he forgave his sins.
The religious leaders present were appalled by his declaration. Only God could forgive sin! But Jesus assured them he was God and could both heal the sick and forgive their sin. Which he did then and does now.
However, we must first recognize we’re sinners who are ruled by sin. Because sometimes we convince ourselves we’re really not so bad. But sin holds us captive and separates us from God. And we are only set free when we seek God’s forgiveness. Which he does with joy and celebration.
Jesus is the source of true freedom. He delivers you from eternal death
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he demonstrated God’s ultimate power over death itself. And he did so again when he rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion.
But life is more than physical existence on earth. It is also spiritual and eternal. And you experience the abundance of it through Jesus. It’s more than a religion or philosophy of life. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ.
When Jesus said, “then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free,” he was talking about HIMSELF!
God’s path to greatness is described by Jesus in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. And he uses children as an example.
Of course, modern society has its ideas about greatness too and assigns it a special acronym: G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all time)
It means ranking the highest score. Attaining the pinnacle of pursuit. Excelling above everyone else. But Jesus turned the idea upside down and compared it to children. Here are three things I think he means about God’s path to greatness.
God’s path to greatness is unassuming and unpretentious
Jesus overheard his disciples arguing about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. And their conversation was similar to modern ideas about greatness. Those at the top of the spiritual ladder. Who will be In charge in heaven. The best of the best. In a religious sense, that is.
But what drives this? Well, it probably starts as teenagers when we begin to wrestle with with self-image and comparison. How do I look? Do people like me? Am I popular? And this impacts our behavior and how much of our true selves we reveal.
Children, however, are unassuming and unpretentious. They accept what you tell them on face value and don’t hide behind superficial masks or seek recognition. What you see is what you get because they are unassuming and unpretentious. It’s a good example for all of us to follow.
Jesus is not saying to be foolishly naive. But to be honest and straightforward in all our relationships. To avoid comparing and competing and strive for authenticity.
God’s path to greatness gives others the benefit of the doubt
Children speak their minds without filters and express their thoughts and emotions openly. And since they speak honestly, they assume you do too and believe what you tell them. They also assume people have good intentions and look for the best in others.
Looking for the best in others is a trait you also see in Jesus. He regularly confronted people in their worst moments and yet he healed them, encouraged them with hope, and challenged them to behave better.
Jesus, like children, always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He saw their sin, but didn’t let it affect how he related to them. He saw clearly into their hearts, but chose to act towards them rather than react to them.
It is this aspiration that should drive those seeking greatness in God’s Kingdom.
Jesus taught that greatness means serving others
It was during his Last Supper with the disciples that Jesus presented one of the most counterintuitive teachings in scripture. It’s not natural even for children.
Why? Because despite all their innocence, they enter this world with a sin nature. Just like the rest of us. And one of the first words children learn when playing with other children is “mine.”
But Jesus clearly taught its importance for those who seek greatness according to God’s standard. It is putting the needs of others first and serving them. It is hard to do because it goes against our sinful, selfish nature. And often requires the very presence and power of God in our lives.
And still, we will regularly fail. But in Jesus’ willing, sacrificial death for our salvation, we have a perfect example to follow.
How Jesus describes righteous and unrighteous people is found in a parable in Luke 18:9-14. The story involves a Pharisee and tax collector who pray next to one another in the temple. Here are three differences between them that Jesus points out in the story.
But first, what does the Bible means by righteousness? And here is what it is NOT: A person who is morally superior to other people.
However, scripture does consistently describes righteous people as those who strive to follow God’s commands and the teachings of Jesus. In other words, they try to do the right thing according to scripture. But while righteous people strive to keep God’s law, they regularly fail. They know it, confess it, and then move forward to pursue it again.
How Jesus describes righteous and unrighteous people. A self-righteous person measures against other people. A righteous person measures against God’s standard
V.11 God I thank you that I am not like other men…
V.13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven…
The Pharisee in the parable already considers himself righteous. And why does he qualify? Because he compares himself to other people he considers morally inferior to him. And let’s give him some credit. On the outside, his religious life was probably exemplary. He did all the right religious things and avoided the moral misdeeds of those sinful people he compared himself to.
But he neglected an important aspect of sin. It goes beyond our physical actions and is often committed in our minds and heart. And when God measures our righteousness, he looks at the heart.
The tax collector understood that his real level of accountability was to God’s standard. He was so shamefully below that standard he couldn’t even look towards heaven. But he knew something else too. And that’s what drove his prayer.
A self-righteous person celebrates their virtue. A righteous person confesses their sin and celebrates God’s grace
V.12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get…
V.13 God be merciful to me, a sinner.
The Pharisee lists all his virtues and they actually are pretty impressive. Some of the things you and I do are pretty impressive too. And when we compile a list and compare it to the horrific deeds of bad people, we may look morally superior.
But here’s the problem. God doesn’t grade on a curve. His standard is absolute perfection. And absolutely no one–except for Jesus Christ–meets that standard.
That’s what Paul means in Romans 6:23 when he says the wages of sin is death. If you are counting on your good works to earn your way to heaven, you aren’t going to make it.
The tax collector knew this and he cried out to God for mercy. And we can too. Because the good news of the gospel is that we are not saved by our good works, but by the grace of God.
How Jesus describes righteous and unrighteous people. A self-righteous person demonstrates pride. A righteous person demonstrates humility
V.14 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
Nothing blinds us like pride. The Pharisee was oblivious to it. And as he itemized the good deeds that qualified him as righteous, he completely missed his sin. Or conveniently ignored it.
Sin is the white elephant in the room. We all recognize it. Acknowledge its often devasting consequences. But avoid even using the term. And instead we say things like, “nobody’s perfect” and “everybody makes mistakes.” But admit we often intentionally do things we know are wrong, and that deep in our hearts and minds are some pretty horrible thoughts? Well, we don’t want to go there.
But to be truly righteous, we have to. With honesty…vulnerability…and humility. Because God is not impressed with our virtuous actions, religious pedigrees or spiritual presentations. He’s looking directly into and surveying the condition of our hearts.
And when you willingly face your depravity and call on God’s mercy, He raises you up. It’s what he does in the story with the tax collector. And with you and me. So be real. Be broken. And healed by God’s grace.
The question Jesus asked we all must answer is presented in Matthew 16:13-16. Do you know how you will answer it?
The question Jesus asked we all must answer was presented to his disciples
Jesus did not directly and publicly announce he was the Messiah. The Son of God. He was subtle and indirect, but when you examine scripture, he makes it clear that’s exactly who he was. And he carried himself in a confident manner that demonstrated he was fully aware of his identity and his mission. The one we celebrate on Easter.
How we answer his question is significant. And it’s important to understand the importance of the question and its answer.
Jesus asked it when he and the disciples appeared to be hanging out. A casual question in a relaxed, informal moment. But it was pointed and direct. Not rhetorical or philosophical. He wanted a specific answer with a complete commitment. The future of each disciple’s ministry and the future of the Kingdom of God depended on it.
The question Jesus asked we all must answer has one correct answer
However, Jesus wanted more than the glib answer to a Sunday school question you’ve answered a thousand times. He wanted gut check honesty from the heart. So he didn’t ask a leading question that contained the answer in it. Or provide a clue. Perhaps that’s why he referred to himself as the “Son of Man.” They had to come up with “God” on their own.
So, the disciples played it cool and offered a variety of answers. They named off John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. All religious Hall of Famers and therefore, safe, Sunday School answers.
People today play it cool too. Ask, “Who do you say Jesus is?” and answers include things like a…
Good man
Spiritual leader
Prophet
Moral teacher
And yet, none are sufficient. It’s like comparing Jesus to Mother Teresa or Billy Graham. Both are considered Hall of Famers among Christians today. But they were still sinners and didn’t come close to the perfect life of Jesus. Or his crowning achievement–resurrection from the dead.
And while people today will admit there is something special about Jesus. Something remarkably undeniable. They stop short of declaring him the Son of God. And are especially uncomfortable on how he himself presses for the answer. And demands exclusive allegiance in John 14:6.
Still, it’s a simple question. True or false. Yes or no. Right or wrong. And we all have a 50% chance of getting it right.
The question Jesus asked we all must answer will determine our eternal destination
Contrary to a popular belief, Jesus doesn’t meet you at the Pearly Gates with a spiritual weight scale to weigh all your good deeds against your bad deeds. And when the good deeds outweigh the bad deeds you get in.
Entrance into heaven is based on who you know. Specifically, do you know Jesus?
And it has to be more than head knowledge. Like how you know about Abraham Lincoln. You have to know Jesus like someone you actually care about and spend time with. Jesus himself said in Matthew 7:21-23 there are people in for an unpleasant surprise because they never understood the difference between the two. And never formed a real relationship with him. Even though that’s exactly what he wants with you and me.
Can you imagine the horror? The utter despair? You thought you had it all figured out. The highest expectations for eternal bliss. Only to find out you got it all wrong?
So you can ignore the question. Pretend he didn’t ask it. Or simply blow it off. But you can’t avoid it. Because one day we will all face him and have to answer when he asks: WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
Three parables Jesus taught about lost and found are recorded in Luke 15. They include a lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son. Here are lessons they teach us.
Three parables Jesus taught about lost and found includes a lost sheep
Sheep have no natural protection from predators and rely completely on the care and protection of shepherds. They know their shepherd and recognize his voice, but graze with head down following one clump of grass to the next. So it’s easy for them to wander slowly away from the flock and become lost.
We have a similar problem. We mean to follow Jesus who is our good shepherd. But don’t consistently listen to his voice and wander away from his loving care pursuing one tempting morsel after another.
And what does the shepherd in the parable do when he realizes a sheep is missing? He leaves the whole flock to rescue the one.
It demonstrates the depth of God’s love for of us. When we wander off, he immediately sets out to bring each one back.
A story Jesus taught is about a lost coin
A coin, however, is an inanimate object. It lacks self-awareness, doesn’t know if it’s lost or found, or care either way. But the woman in the story cared a great deal. She made it a priority to search and was thrilled when she found it.
Likewise, many people today have no idea they are spiritually lost. Or understand what it means. They don’t attend church, read the Bible, or follow any religion. They may have a vague and perhaps unsettling sense that something is not right. And occasionally reflect on life’s ultimate meaning. but don’t dwell on it and quickly move on to other matters.
But our awareness or lack of awareness doesn’t matter. Lostness is a human condition because of sin. And God is on a search and rescue mission for our souls.
The question is…do you want God to find you?
Jesus told a story about a lost son
This parable differs from the other two because it involves an existing relationship between father and son. And the son doesn’t just wander off. He leaves in complete awareness and open rebellion towards the father. Rather than protest, the father gives the son what he wants and lets him go.
And the father does not search for the son. Why? Because the son willingly chose to leave and had to willingly return.
The parable demonstrates the allure but unsatisfying nature of sensual pleasure. The son discovered this when he ran out of money and ended up living in squalor And when he finally reached rock bottom, he returned to his father in humility, acknowledging his sin, and seeking forgiveness.
And the father, who waited patiently, ran to meet his son and celebrated his return. The story illustrates God’s desire for a relationship with each one of us. But he lets us choose. And he celebrates it when we choose him.
So what’s your story? Are you the coin, the sheep, or the son? The good news is that it doesn’t matter. God is looking for you. Waiting for you. And anxious to celebrate your return. But it’s your choice and the next step is up to you.
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