The Road to Freedom
1. From Guilt, Shame, Fear and Feeling Overwhelmed
The world is complex, life is complex, and our emotional world is even more so.
Often, a single situation can trigger several different emotions. We may feel ashamed of being afraid, or we may act impulsively because we feel overwhelmed, and end up doing things that make us guilty.
Jesus tells a story about a young man who experiences exactly this.
What does freedom mean?
Independence, self-reliance, freedom of will, freedom of choice. Even as a child, I had a strong desire for freedom. I used to say, “When I grow up, I'll do whatever I want!”
2. The Father's House
There was a wealthy man who had two sons. Both enjoyed their father's love, care and protection, and shared in his wealth. This is how Jesus describes the original relationship between our heavenly Father and humanity.
The Son's Departure
The younger son had a strong desire for freedom and self-fulfilment. One day, he said to his father, “Father, I want my share of the inheritance now.” So the father divided his property between his two sons.
A few days later, the younger son left his father's house. He turned his back on everything, left his homeland and travelled to a distant country.
3. Life in a Foreign Land
There, he indulged in whatever he wanted. He gave himself over to all the pleasures of the world, his passions and desires, until eventually he had nothing left. His situation became worse and worse.
Then a severe famine struck the country. He went from a life of prosperity to the depths of hardship, where he began to suffer great need. The threat of starvation brought him to his senses and made him realize the full extent of his guilt before God and his father.
Then he came to his senses. A way of rescue suddenly became clear. It seemed almost effortless and natural, because in the midst of his darkness, the light of understanding dawned, and he remembered his father's house.
When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” Luke 15:17-19 (NIV)
4. Repentance and Returning Home
The son left the foreign country and began the long journey back to his father and his father's house. His father saw him while he was still a long way off. Filled with compassion, he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” Luke 15:21 (NIV)
5. Restoration
When the son returns, his father welcomes him back into the family.
Several signs show that the father fully restores his son to his rightful place in the family:
- The kiss and the embrace: They express the father's love and acceptance.
- The son is not treated as a slave: He is welcomed back as a son.
- The finest robe: This shows that his full honour and dignity as an heir are restored.
- The signet ring: It gives him back the authority to act in the name of the family.
- The sandals:** They show that he is a free man, since slaves traditionally went barefoot.
6. The Road to Freedom
From guilt, shame, fear and feeling overwhelmed. This story shows us the way to freedom.
Steps towards freedom:
- Believe in Jesus.
- Recognize that I am guilty of sin.
- Confess my sins to Jesus.
- Receive forgiveness.
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Author: Edith Waechter
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