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The Cost of Freedom

Our freedom always comes at a cost. The freedom we enjoy as Americans cost our founding fathers and all those who defend our nation something. For many, it cost them their lives.

Likewise, our spiritual freedom comes at a great cost.

As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him, Pontius Pilate, Roman Governor.

Jesus was falsely accused, arrested, and taken before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor. After interrogating Jesus extensively, Pilate found no basis to charge him. He offered to release Jesus, but the Jewish leaders insisted that he was guilty. They asked Pilate to release Barabbas, a guilty felon, and crucify Jesus, who was not guilty of any charges.

It is hard to wrap my mind around the thinking of the Jewish leaders. But we know that all the events surrounding Jesus arrest were to fulfill God’s purpose as well as buy my freedom and your freedom.

Here is what our freedom cost Jesus:

Jesus was flogged.

This gruesome process involved tying him to a post with his back exposed and flogged with a leather whip embedded with sharp pieces of bone and lead. This beating tore away his flesh. I can’t imagine the pain and anguish Jesus must have felt.

He was ridiculed and mocked.

The soldiers placed a crown of thorns on his head and dressed him in a royal robe to mock his claim that he was the king of the Jews. They insulted and humiliated him.

He was forced to carry a heavy cross over a long distance.

Jesus was probably bone weary as he carried the cross. He fell many times. When he could go no further, the soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene to help him carry the cross.

He was nailed to the cross and crucified.

While on the cross, they mocked him and spat on him.

They took and cast lots for his clothes.

The soldiers stripped him of his clothes and divided it among them.

After hours of agonizing pain, Jesus cried, “I am thirsty.”

Instead of giving him water, they placed drops of wine vinegar on his lips and said, if you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.

At last, Jesus endured this horror to the end. In a loud voice, he cried out, “It is finished.”

With that, Jesus bowed his head and gave up the spirit.

My freedom, your freedom… Paid in full!

Thankfully, this story does not end with his gruesome death. Jesus rose triumphantly from the grave on the third day to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. Friend, may we always cherish this precious gift of freedom in Christ and never take it for granted.

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Take some time today to reflect on your spiritual freedom in Christ.
Read the account of His death, burial and resurrection in any of the gospels (Matthew 26:47-28:10, Mark 14:43-16:14, Luke 22:47-24:8, John 18:1-20:21).
Thank God for his amazing love and sacrifice on your behalf.

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If you have not accepted the free gift of salvation, now is a good time to invite Jesus into your heart. If you have any questions contact me.