Hearts Held Hostage: A Captive's Cry for Freedom

Introduction

Imagine a person living in isolation for a moment, surrounded by reminders of the choices and regrets that haunt their life. They spend their days scrolling through social media, seeing the highlight reels of others' lives, and feeling trapped in their own. Perhaps they are battling a relentless addiction, anxiety, or depression that leaves them feeling disconnected from friends and family. Every attempt to break free seems futile, and their struggles increasingly consume them.

Though not visibly tormented or living among gravestones, this person experiences an imprisonment of mind and heart. Despite their desire to escape, they are overwhelmed by their circumstances and feel despair. It's a poignant picture of what it means to be held captive by the difficulties and sins that society often silently endures.

The story of the man living in the cemetery whom Christ healed can be seen as a metaphor for the internal battles many face today. Just as Christ freed man from the grips of evil, offering hope and transformation, He provides the same to us. We may not live among physical tombs, but the emotional and spiritual chains of sin can feel just as binding. Christ's message of liberation from sin is timeless, providing a path to freedom and peace to anyone who feels trapped by the pressures and pains of modern life.

We often encounter people who feel trapped by life's burdens, as seen in our illustration of the person struggling with modern-day issues like addiction or anxiety. Despite living in a world filled with opportunities, they feel isolated, much like the man possessed by demons, yearning for freedom and peace. This state of captivity isn't new; it echoes throughout history, even in the times of Jesus.

We see this come to fruition in John chapter 7. In fact, as we get into today’s text, we find three groups of people whose reactions to Christ demonstrate their own captivity. You must remember that Christ’s single focus in coming to earth was to rescue men from their sin and its condemnation. Christ said that He came to seek and to save that which was lost. In coming, Christ exposed our sinful state. We have already seen this repeatedly in our study of the Gospel of John. But today, in our text and throughout this chapter, the realization of man’s captivity comes to the forefront.

Look at the text, and let’s note the circumstances that give us the message for today.

John 7:1–13 KJV 1900

1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. 2 Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. 4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. 5 For neither did his brethren believe in him. 6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. 9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. 10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? 12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. 13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

Here are some key points to consider. Jesus had just concluded His discussion with the Jews in the synagogue at Capernaum. As you may remember, during this conversation, He presented Himself as the true bread from Heaven. He boldly declared...

John 6:35 KJV 1900

35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Later in that same chapter, He said...

John 6:47–4

John 6:47–48 KJV 1900

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life.

Ultimately, as the Jews argued with Him about who or what the true bread of Heaven might be, Christ puzzled them as He said...

John 6:56 KJV 1900

56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

This teaching was so challenging that many who had been His followers began to grumble and eventually chose to stop following Him.

Now, the scene shifts.

As highlighted in our text, Jesus no longer traveled in Judea but stayed in Galilee. To put that in perspective, Judea is the region south of Jerusalem, while Galilee is to the north. The reason for not traveling south was clear: the Jewish religious leaders, who held considerable power in Judea, were plotting to kill Him.

The context of this story unfolds during the time of Israel's Feast of Tabernacles. This festival involved the gathering of leafy branches to construct temporary shelters. These shelters reminded the Israelites of their ancestors’ time spent wandering in the desert. The Feast of Tabernacles is the last of the seven feasts detailed in the Old Testament, commencing four days after the Day of Atonement. It starts on the fifteenth day of Tishri, which falls in late September to late October.

As one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, this feast attracted many to journey to Jerusalem, and the anticipation and joy of being in the city were palpable. Because of this, Jesus’ family was eager to go, and the chapter begins with His brothers urging Him to accompany them. However, knowing the threat posed by the religious authorities, Jesus made the decision not to go with them. Although He did not initially go with His brothers, He eventually attended the feast in secret, as the Holy Spirit reveals.

When I read this opening account of chapter 7, I was struck by the reactions of three groups of people.

Each group responds to Jesus in ways that reveal their spiritual chains:

His Brothers: Despite witnessing His miracles and teachings firsthand, they do not believe in Him. Their unbelief is a form of captivity, as they are bound by their skepticism and inability to recognize the truth standing before them.

The Jewish Leaders: Their desire to kill Jesus stems from jealousy and fear, shackles that blind them to His message and the freedom He offers. They are prisoners of their power and tradition, unable to see beyond their rigid structures.

The General Public: Opinions about Jesus vary among them, with some seeing Him as a good man and others as a deceiver. Their murmuring and fear of openly speaking about Him highlight a captivity to societal pressure and fear of the authorities.

Just as a person today might feel trapped by the chains of modern struggles, these groups illustrate a deeper spiritual captivity - the captivity of sin. Yet, Jesus' purpose was to reveal that very captivity and to offer liberation. As we delve into this passage, let's explore how Christ confronts these chains and what that means for us today in our own lives.

I contend from Scripture that this same barrier still exists. People are still held captive. Their hearts are held hostage.

Here is what I believe God wants us to know and understand this morning, all of which is predicated on what Christ said in the middle of today’s text.

John 7:7 KJV 1900

7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Consider these three points that arise from Christ's statement.

The Captive Heart Bound by Sin

Jesus clarifies that people hate Him because He exposes their evil actions. This statement reflects a deeper understanding of our hearts, as highlighted in Matthew, where Jesus points out that it's not external actions but what arises from the heart that defiles a person:

Matthew 15:18–19 KJV 1900

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Why does Jesus emphasize the heart's role in our actions? Because He knows, unlike us, the full extent of our sin. Our sin blinds us, and we often don’t realize how deeply captive we are. Scripture further paints a bleak picture of human sinfulness:

Ecclesiastes states,

Ecclesiastes 9:3 KJV 1900

3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

In Jeremiah, we read...

Jeremiah 17:9 KJV 1900

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

The New Testament continues this theme, explaining how sin held us captive:

Ephesians 2:2–3 KJV 1900

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

How did we get here? Romans explains that through Adam, sin entered the world, and death followed. We inherited this sin and the bondage it brings:

Romans 5:12 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Every person faces this inherited sin. Despite Jesus’ innocence and love, He was rejected and crucified by those He came to save. This act of hatred underscores how deeply sin holds humanity. It keeps us from experiencing true freedom.

Illustration

In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, “11 God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.”

In contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, "God be merciful to me a sinner."

Jesus concludes the parable by saying, “14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Application

This story vividly contrasts the self-righteousness that blinds us to sin with the humility that acknowledges our need for God’s mercy. The Pharisee's heart is bound by pride and self-deception, representing the spiritual captivity Jesus revealed. He is unable to see his shortcomings because he is comparing himself to others rather than looking at the state of his own heart.

Meanwhile, the tax collector's prayer reveals a heart aware of its bondage and desperate for deliverance. This humility opens the door to freedom that only God can provide. Just as Jeremiah warns us that the heart is deceitful, the parable reminds us that recognizing our sin is the first step toward liberation in Christ.

In John 7:7, Jesus says, "The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil." His call is clear and piercing. He exposes the shadows within us, drawing us out of the darkness and into the light, challenging us to acknowledge the sin that ensnares us.

Let us delve into how Christ’s presence serves as a beacon that exposes these chains and calls us to confront our need for transformation and deliverance.

Christ’s Clarion Call Exposes Our Captivity

In John 7:7, Jesus makes a powerful statement:

John 7:7 KJV 1900

7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

These words directly challenge us, unveiling the spiritual captivity that grips humanity. Jesus' presence on Earth was a beacon of light, exposing the darkness within our hearts and calling us to accountability.

John 8:12 KJV 1900

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 12:46 KJV 1900

46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

To illustrate this, consider a person who experiences a moment of truth today. Perhaps they’ve been living in denial about harmful habits or attitudes. Then, through a candid conversation with a friend or a challenging life event, they suddenly see these aspects clearly and realize the need for change. This is akin to how Christ's teachings and presence confront us with the reality of our sinfulness.

Yet, facing this truth isn't easy. It’s uncomfortable to acknowledge the parts of us we’d rather ignore. But it's precisely this exposure that is Christ's clarion call, urging us to step out of the shadows. The world often avoids accountability, preferring the comfort of complacency. However, Jesus’ message shatters this complacency, compelling us to confront our true selves.

Romans 13:12 KJV 1900

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Right now you have one of the greatest opportunities every afforded a person who is held captive by sin. You have the opportunity be free from its bondage. Even now the day is hand, God speaking to you and saying “cast off the works of darkness” and embrace His “armour of light.” The question is will you accept Christ’s offer. Remember that Jesus’ ultimate goal is not condemnation but liberation. He calls us to face our captivity so that we might find true freedom in His grace and love.

Let me give you this great example from the book of Acts.

Illustration

Saul was a fervent persecutor of Christians, driven by zeal but blinded by his misconceptions and sins. On his journey to Damascus, a sudden light from heaven shone around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard Jesus’ voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" This encounter exposed the reality of Saul's actions and his misguided beliefs.

The experience was both a physical and spiritual awakening for Saul. Blinded temporarily, he was forced to grapple with the truth of Jesus’ identity and the wrong path he had been on. This pivotal moment of exposure was not meant to condemn Saul but to turn his life around. In acknowledging the truth about himself, Saul was transformed and set free, becoming Paul, one of the most significant apostles who would spread the message of Christ far and wide.

Application

Like Saul, you may have areas where you are blind to your captivity. Jesus’ presence acts like that light on the road to Damascus, illuminating the darkness of sin that dominates your life. It might not be comfortable to confront these truths, but they are the starting point for genuine change and freedom.

Challenge yourself to ask: Am I allowing my pride and ego keep from admitting the bondage of sin that exist in my life? Are you resisting the illuminating Light of the world? One of the things that Christ said to Saul during his encounter with Christ was “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” In other words, why must you keep resisting? Just as Saul’s encounter with Christ led to his profound spiritual liberation and newfound purpose, so too can your response to Jesus' call lead you to freedom and a deeper relationship with Him.

This powerful illustration encourages people to embrace the discomfort of sin’s exposure as an opportunity for change, much like Saul did, leading to the unchaining for sin and the new life Jesus offers.

The Captive’s Cry is a Plea for Deliverance

Having understood that Christ’s presence exposes our spiritual captivity, we must also realize that this revelation is not the end—it's the beginning of a journey of freedom. Recognizing our captivity leads us to the next vital step: the captive’s cry, a plea for deliverance.

Romans 10:8–11 KJV 1900

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

This cry is the heart’s response to the awareness of its chains. Like the tax collector in the parable, who humbly asked for God's mercy, we too must reach out in our moment of desperation, seeking the deliverance only Christ can provide. It's an honest admission of our need for Jesus, the Savior who came to set the captives free.

Consider how powerful this plea can be. Scripture shows examples of those who cried out to the Lord in their distress and were met with His compassion and deliverance. From the Israelites in Egypt to individuals like blind Bartimaeus, their cries were heard, and their lives transformed.

So, what does this plea look like for us today? It begins with prayer, an open heart, and a sincere desire for change. It's a willingness to let go of pride and self-reliance, acknowledging our dependence on Christ. When we cry out, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner," we invite His power to work within us, breaking the chains of sin and bringing true freedom.

This is the transformative promise of Christ's call. It’s not merely a spotlight on sin but an invitation to step into the light and experience the abundant life God intends for us. Such a plea is met with the assurance of deliverance, as Christ assures us that those who seek will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock.

Conclusion

As we wrap up today’s message, let’s revisit the story of the person who felt trapped by life’s struggles. Just like they faced feelings of isolation and the weight of their choices, we all have moments when we feel trapped by sin and need a way out.

Jesus came to illuminate these dark parts of our lives, showing us the truth and offering us a path to freedom. He knows our struggles and is ready to help us break free. But He asks us to take a step toward Him, to admit our need for His help, and to seek His guidance.

Today, I invite you to do just that. Whether it’s worry, regret, or a failure to change, bring those to Jesus. Acknowledge the weight of your bondage to sin. Admit that you Him to rescue from such bondage. Confess that He alone is able to save and did so when He died for your sin and rose again on the third day. Invite Him into your life and experience the release that only comes by believing in Him as your Lord and Savior.

In the same way that the isolated person in our story looked for relief, we can turn to Jesus. We open ourselves to the profound changes He can make when we do. Let this moment be your fresh start—a chance to let Jesus work in you and lead you to a life filled with hope and freedom.