In Jesus You Are: Understanding Your Identity in ChristSample

Wednesday: In Jesus I am Free

Read: John 8:36, 2 Corinthians 3:17

SOAP: John 8:36

“So if the son sets you free, you will be really free.”

Jesus was speaking to the Jews who had gathered in the temple in Jerusalem, a crowd who had mixed feelings about His identity as the Messiah. Those who did not believe pointed to the small town Jesus was from and His apparent lack of impressive family to discredit His claims (John 7:41–43). Little did they know, Jesus was about to fulfill every prophecy ever written about the coming Messiah!

In Jesus we are truly free. For a people who had experienced bondage and slavery as a nation, in a time when rulers and winners of battles enslaved their captives, they knew freedom as a fleeting opportunity. In John 8:35, Jesus reminded them that “the slave does not remain in the family forever, but the son remains forever.” In Jesus, our identity is transformed from slave to son. We are offered full, complete, and permanent freedom—and a place in the family of God.

Although the world may attempt to limit our identity, influence, and impact because of our age, background, experience, or ability our identity is secure in Jesus. In Him, we are free. In Him, we have purpose. In Him, we become children of God and part of a family that will never leave us, doubt us, or run out of love for us. The chains of sin that have held us back are no longer effective against the power of Jesus Christ. We are free to be a light to those around us, a beacon of hope to our communities, and children of God who are secure in our identity no matter what comes our way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me to be part of Your family and setting me free from my sin. Help me live fully in freedom so others in my life might be drawn to You and Your beautiful gift of salvation. Amen.