Today, some of our kids went and claimed their free lunch burrito. They had been talking about it for days—planning when to go, making sure they’d be there early enough to be among the first 300 people to get in on the giveaway. For them, it wasn’t just about a free lunch. They love burritos, and they know the usual cost, so the chance to get one without spending a cent? That was worth the effort!
But as I watched them enjoying their free lunch, I started thinking about how rare it is to get something for free. Sure, it didn’t cost our kids anything, but it certainly cost the restaurant owners. This got me reflecting on a bigger truth: Most things in life aren’t really free. They come at a cost, even if we’re not the ones paying it.
For instance, the freedoms we enjoy today—like my right to vote as a woman—came at the cost of those who went before us. Women fought, suffered, and even endured abuse to secure something that we now often take for granted. It’s a reminder that even though something might be freely given to us, it often comes at a great price for someone else.
And that brings me to the most incredible gift of all—the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers each of us.
This is a gift that brings complete freedom—freedom from fear, guilt, condemnation, and even freedom from sickness and lack. Jesus gives us this freedom because of what He did for us on the cross. And while it’s free to us, it came at a tremendous cost to Him.
In the Bible, the original Greek word for salvation is sozo, which means “saved, healed, made whole, delivered.” It’s a powerful word that covers all that Jesus accomplished for us—body, mind, and spirit. Through His sacrifice, we have the opportunity to be completely whole and free in every area of our lives.
We can accept and claim everything Jesus has already done for us. There’s nothing we need to earn or prove—He’s done it all and it's far more precious and impacting than any free burrito.
The best part is Jesus willingly paid this price. The Bible tells us that He went to the cross “for the joy set before Him,” and that joy was knowing we would be set free. (Heb 12:2 NIV)
So, as I watched my boys enjoying their burrito today, I was reminded of how much more there is to freely receive in Jesus. Sure, a free lunch is great, but the gift Jesus offers us is life-changing. His salvation gives us the freedom to live without fear, without condemnation, and with the fullness of life He intended for us. (John 10:10 AMP)
My kids made sure they were first in line to receive their free lunch today. Rather than choosing something else to eat, or becoming distracted or forgetting about the offer they practically ran to be there, and as a result, they freely received.
I encourage you today to not leave the incredible gift of all that Jesus has done for you unclaimed. Don't put it off, don't get distracted, look elsewhere, or think it's not for me. Just like the kids didn’t hesitate to accept and enjoy their free burrito, you can receive everything Jesus has freely given to you—salvation, healing, peace, deliverance and so much more. It’s already paid for. The question is will you put everything else aside, claim what has been freely given and accept it?
Have an amazing day today knowing that you are loved, saved, and set free in Jesus. And remember there is no charge. It's free for all who come to Him. (Eph 2:8-9 ESV)
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed". (John 8:36 NIV)
Prayer: Jesus thank You for the gift of salvation. Please help me to walk in that freedom and fully accept and claim all that You have provided for me. I don’t want to leave any part of this precious gift unclaimed, but to embrace the fullness of life You offer—freedom from sin, deliverance, healing, provision, peace, and joy. Thank You for your sacrifice that made this all possible. In Jesus' name, Amen.