Freedom from Sin is both Personal AND Communal | Lent Devotional Day 36

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 25, 2026
Written by: Ryan Hebel
 
In Christ, freedom from the oppression of sin is both personal AND communal  

Scripture:
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.  He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.  He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God.  He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.  He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.  
(Luke 1:47-52)

Reflection:
Christ’s rescue and redemption is for all people. While the saving act of Jesus’ death and resurrection indeed releases each of us from our own guilt, sin, and death, Black Theology asserts that it is not just personal, but that true freedom from the oppression of sin is both personal AND communal.  True victory comes when we are all free, yes, from the chains for sin and death, but also from actual chains.  And Black Theology consistently emphasizes the perspective that none of us are truly free until we are all truly free.  This corresponding atonement theory reflects the belief that, in finding our individual freedom in Christ, we are spurred on to work on behalf of others for their freedom from oppression and bondage as well.
 
The final victory that Christ makes possible for us is communal, and comes with an invitation for each of us to join with Christ in his work on behalf of others, as a response to what he has done for us.  We should live a life that rejoices in what God has done for us in Christ, and in God’s favor, while also doing everything we can to show mercy to those around us in need and to lift up the lowly.  This invitation in Black Theology echoes Christ’s invitation on the cross to the thieves hanging beside him to join him in paradise later that day (Luke 23:40-43).  It also reflects Mary’s words in the Magnificat, acknowledging God’s faithful desire to lift up the lowly and to look with favor upon those of humble status (Luke 1:46-48, 52-53).  In the Kingdom of God, freedom and victory for me means freedom and victory for you too, even when it costs me something.  Maybe even everything.  

Prayer:
Jesus, may your willingness to hold nothing back in your pursuit of bringing forth true freedom from the oppression of sin, suffering, and death for all people (myself included) inspire me today.  Fill me with courage to join you in that redeeming work, without reservation and on behalf of others, until freedom is something that can be truly shared and embraced by all people everywhere as a reflection of your kingdom, existing here on earth. Amen.

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