Slavery

The Labour MP Frank Field has produced a Report on the extent of modern slavery in Britain. Its shocking observation is that there are over 10,000 people enslaved in Britain, and that number is rising sharply. 

The Government is publishing their Modern Slavery bill, and anti-slavery campaigners are divided over whether the bill goes far enough.

Slavery was a hot topic in Jesus' day, as Jewish people looked back to their escape from Egypt, under the leadership of Moses over 1200 years before Jesus. 

In a famous dispute, Jesus challenges people to realise that they are still slaves, who need to be set free. 'Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” 

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin." (John 8.32-24)

It is striking that the people to whom Jesus was speaking were those who had started to believe in him. In spite of that developing faith, these people are still blind to their own persistent slavery to sinful habits. In our own day, we easily acknowledge that some behaviour patterns can be addictive - whether it is shopping, alcohol consumption, drug taking, sexual activity, sports, fitness, eating, electronic gadgets a=or anything else. The truth that Jesus presents is that we are all naturally enslaved, and only He can bring us freedom. 'So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.' (John 8.36)

Today, surrounded as we are by people who are enslaved and blind to their slavery, we have a chance to live as people set free by Jesus to live a God-glorifying life, life in all its fullness.

Best wishes,

Richard