Freedom in Christ Jesus

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (II Corinthians 3:17)

Learning to ride a bicycle is challenging, and training wheels often provide a false sense of security that delays mastery. For example, a rider must lean into turns to counter centrifugal force, yet training wheels are designed to keep the bike upright—which causes it to tip over during sharp turns. Furthermore, while speed increases stability through gyroscopic forces, it is difficult to experience this when training wheels prevent the necessary leans into turns. Only when the training wheels are removed can the dynamics of riding be mastered through trial and error. A supremely skilled rider can eventually release the handlebars and steer using only subtle shifts in body weight.

Jesus demonstrated, through both His teachings and conduct, that the transformation from living under the Old Covenant to living life under the New Covenant is like removing training wheels from a bicycle. He gracefully rode proverbial circles around the teachers of the Law. The attention He received, coupled with His undeniable truths and miracles, was a source of endless frustration and resentment to the Jewish leaders. They felt genuinely threatened because Jesus pointed out their imbalance: “You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin,” Jesus challenged. “But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former” (Matt. 23:23). Their obsession with the letter of the law caused them to lose their way, eclipsing the love of God woven into Old Testament Scripture. In this way, they were slaves to sin—not necessarily bound to commit it, but bound by their rigid attempts to avoid it.

Jesus’ death and shed blood are the seal of the New Covenant. However, it is vital to understand that the New Covenant does not eliminate the Old; it supersedes it. As Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them... until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matt. 5:17-18). The nature of the Law does not change, just as God—who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow—does not change.

How then did Jesus “fulfill” the Law? He did so by perfectly living out the love of God that the Law was meant to reflect. He demonstrated that the Law was never intended to be an end in itself, but rather a guide that is superseded at times by love, mercy, and justice. He confirmed this by challenging the legalism of the day, asking: “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” (Luke 14:5). He further corrected them by citing David eating the consecrated bread—an act technically "unlawful" that was superseded by human need (Matt. 12:3-4).

When a teacher of the religious law realized that loving God and neighbor was "more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices," Jesus said something profound: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). Jesus saved us from the weight of sin by releasing us from the "training wheels" of the Law. He gave us rest through a better way to fulfill the Law: a life motivated by the love of the Father. Through faith in Christ, we are adopted children—born into His Kingdom.

It can be difficult to imagine Christ being “formed in” us (Gal. 4:19) until we consider this: God is pure goodness (Ex. 33:18) and love (1 John 4:8). We cannot, through our own effort, force this formation. But Jesus promised, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). We simply rest and receive—through faith—the full measure of His goodness. We are vessels designed to tabernacle His presence. As Jesus was one with the Father, we are invited to be one with them and one another—where living and loving become a single, harmonious act that glorifies God.

Father, Thank You for the true liberty found in Your Son, Jesus. We are set free from the shackles of guilt, shame, and separation from You, Father. Help us to walk confidently in this freedom—not using it to serve ourselves, but to serve others in love. Teach us how to live each day fully alive in the spirit, anchored in Your truth-- no longer bound by the things of this world. Amen.

mgb