There is freedom to be found this Easter

Freedom in Christ. Be set free.

Have you ever felt trapped? Perhaps by circumstances, guilt, shame or fear. If so, Jesus said his purpose was to set people free, a spiritual freedom that is life-changing. It is so worthwhile to reflect on the Easter story and how he did this. 

When people today talk about “freedom,” they often mean individual autonomy, not being bound by legal or moral constraints. Jesus didn’t mean that when he spoke about setting the prisoners free, he was speaking of:

Freedom from guilt. A relationship with Jesus brings forgiveness. Forgiveness for those actions and words that hurt others, for times we disrespected others and God. Rinsed away. Gone. Washed “whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).

Freedom from shame for those who feel tainted by the evil done to them. At the cross, Jesus made sure the things done to us do not have to trap us and leave us dirty and alone. At the cross, Jesus “disarmed the powers” of this world (Colossians 2:15), so they can no longer define who we are. Our new identity is found in following Jesus. It may take time, but we can be free. 

Freedom from fear. In the Bible, it says,” There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear”. His love is stronger than death. It is a promise to stick with us. To protect and be with us in all our troubles. Even death need not be feared because Jesus overcame death when he rose again. 

Easter shows that God is involved in our lives. He knows our suffering and the injustices we go through, and he cares deeply. 

The freedom Easter offers is not simply freedom from guilt, from shame, from the grip of fear. It is freedom for a new beginning, for a new identity, and for a new hope. Please take advantage of what Jesus has done and discover this freedom for yourself.