I was about 500 words into this post when I realized I was writing the introduction to a book I should have written in graduate school. Going from Jesus and Paul through Locke and Rousseau. Continuing on until today. So, I deleted the whole thing.
You’re welcome đŸ˜‰
Jesus (and Paul and John and Peter and more) were as much concerned about freedom as many writers and activists today.
Jesus rightly pointed out that the Jewish religious leaders were trying to enslave the people to the Law–with themselves as the teachers, interpreters, judges of that Law. And how they found ways to circumvent the Law to their own benefit while piling it on to ordinary people. (Sounds pretty contemporary, doesn’t it?)
Jesus and his followers also devoted teaching to the problem of being enslaved by our passions, our unbridled emotions.
What was his solution? The Kingdom of God. Not a kingdom based upon fear of transgressing the Law. No, it would be a Kingdom based on God’s grace and our love–You shall love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself.
That kingdom would overturn every value of Rome’s kingdom of power and the Jewish kingdom of (the) Law.
We still struggle with those same forces. Some want to enforce all the old laws. Some seek political and economic power over others.
Some of us simply seek Jesus and his Kingdom of love where freedom from both Law and passion are found. And we can live with the fruit of the spirit–love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Faith Venture 
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