Gospel in Art: If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed

Freedom of Speech, by Norman Rockwell, 1943 © Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 9 April 2025
John 8:31-42

At that time: Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' They answered him, 'We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, "You will become free"?'

Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practises sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house for ever; the son remains for ever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.'

They answered him, 'Abraham is our father.' Jesus said to them, 'If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.' They said to him, 'We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father - even God.' Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.'

Reflection on the painting

Throughout history, many slogans have been used to define freedom, some of them deeply misleading. One of the most infamous was the Nazi slogan "Work makes you free" (Arbeit macht frei), which hung over the gates of concentration camps, distorting the true meaning of freedom. In contrast, in today's Gospel, Jesus proclaims, "The truth will set you free." Later in John's Gospel, He declares, "I am the truth", making it clear that true freedom is found in Him. As He states in today's passage, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

For Christians, true freedom is not just the ability to do whatever we want. Society often defines freedom as the right to make our own choices, as long as they do not harm others. This view suggests that as long as our actions do not negatively affect someone else, we are truly free. However, Christian freedom is something entirely different. It is not about following our own desires but about living in accordance with God's will. True freedom is the ability to become the people God created us to be, to become the person that God intended us to be and use our talents for his glory. There is simply no freedom outside him. True freedom liberates us from sin, fear, and everything that holds us back from becoming our true selves.

Norman Rockwell created a series of four paintings titled the Four Freedoms, inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 speech, in which he outlined four fundamental freedoms that should be protected worldwide. These paintings were published in The Saturday Evening Post in 1943 and used to promote war bonds during World War II. The four paintings are:

1. Freedom of Speech (illustrated here) - Depicts an ordinary working man standing and speaking at a town meeting, illustrating the right to express opinions freely.

2. Freedom of Worship - Shows people of different faiths praying, emphasising religious freedom and tolerance.

3. Freedom from Want - Portrays a family gathered around a Thanksgiving dinner, symbolising the right to basic needs like food and shelter.

4. Freedom from Fear - Features parents tucking their children into bed, representing protection from war and violence.

Freedom of Speech is perhaps the most iconic of the series. The painting features a blue-collar worker standing up to speak at a town meeting, while those around him listen attentively. He wears a simple plaid jacket and a rugged brown coat, setting him apart from the more formally dressed men around him. His face is earnest and determined, reflecting the importance of his words. His well-worn hands, rough with labour, contrast with the clean-cut appearance of the others, reinforcing the idea that free speech belongs to everyone, regardless of class or status.

While the freedoms Norman Rockwell depicted-speech, worship, security, and basic needs-are all important and valuable, true Christian freedom goes far beyond them. Christian freedom is not just about external rights or protections; it is the inner liberation that comes from Christ, freeing us from sin, fear, and everything that separates us from God.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-8-31-42-2025/ (with audio)