2026 Pentecost Devotions III
Saturday, October 31
Festival of the Reformation
John 8:31-36
31 Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
“… 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” …”
Election day is next Tuesday. It can’t come soon enough for me. Hopefully, then the various ad campaigns for candidates will cease; and we’ll stop hearing so much about “freedom”, “liberty”, and those who oppose it.
Jesus’ words about freedom have nothing to do with political campaigns or political candidates. They have everything to do with our relationship with God and one another. The freedom Jesus offers is from sin and death. In His name, our sins are forgiven. Through his suffering, death, and resurrection, he has liberated us from the fear of death. In Christ, we are truly free.
Because we have been freed, we are able to work for others’ freedom as well. Rather than being concerned about our relationship with the Lord, we can seek to help others grow in their relationship with the Lord. In other words, our freedom liberates us to serve others.
This is the true freedom of which Jesus speaks. It is the true liberty was share as followers of our Lord.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for freeing us from sin and death. Guide me this day that I may use my freedom to liberate others that they may grow in their relationship with You. Amen.