We celebrate freedom. We struggle for freedom. We long for freedom. We search for freedom. We fight for freedom. Many have died and others will die to defend freedom. That is who we are. Freedom is one of our most valued gifts.

God is a God of freedom. He understands our desire for freedom. His desire is for us to live as free people. Consider His words:

Jesus returned to Galilee with the power of the Spirit. News about him spread everywhere. He taught in the Jewish meeting places, and everyone praised him. Jesus went back to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and as usual he went to the meeting place on the Sabbath. When he stood up to read from the Scriptures, he was given the book of Isaiah the prophet. He opened it and read,

The Lord's Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers ...

Jesus closed the book, then handed it back to the man in charge and sat down. Everyone in the meeting place looked straight at Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, 'What you have just heard me read has come true today" (Luke 4:16-21 CEV).

On another occasion Jesus tells us how to be free:

Jesus told the people who had faith in him, "If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

They answered, "We are Abraham's children! We have never been anyone's slaves. How can you say we will be set free?"

Jesus replied: "I tell you for certain that anyone who sins is a slave of sin! And slaves don't stay in the family forever, though the Son will always remain in the family. If the Son gives you freedom, you are free! I know that you are from Abraham's family. Yet you want to kill me, because my message isn't really in your hearts" (John 8:31-37).

Jesus will set you free.
Then, later Jesus reminds us that He is the truth: "I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father" (John 14:6).

The message from Jesus seems clear: "I have come to bring freedom. Freedom is found in the truth. I am the truth. If you know me, if you follow me, if you obey me, you will be set free."

Freedom is found in knowing Jesus. The truth will set you free. Jesus is truth. Jesus will set you free.

Praise God that in Jesus we can find the truth that sets us free!