Humans long for freedom, only to find themselves in pursuit of passing promises and well intentioned dead ends. Over the next two Sundays (June 27 and July 4) we will examine three back to back encounters with Jesus which cut through the confusion to expose false pursuits and reveal ultimate freedom.
In the quest for national freedom the Pharisees were convinced their righteousness would be the means of bringing freedom from Rome and the reign of the kingdom of God. This pursuit actually lead to a destructive prison paved with comparison and self-righteousness. In contrast, the repentant tax collector, in humble desperation, recognizes the only source of ultimate freedom is found in the grace and mercy of God.
