Once there was a beautiful bird who spent his life inside a luxurious cage.
One day, another bird from outside flew in, when the bird’s owner had accidentally left the cage opened.
The second bird asked the first, “Why don’t you fly away with me to freedom?” But the caged bird answered, “Each day I receive wonderful food from my master. Each day my home is cleaned. I am safe and secure and happy. And when I see my reflection in the mirror, I sing! I am free!”
“But you are a prisoner!” said the second bird.
“I think not!” said the caged bird. “How could I be a prisoner when I enjoy all of this?”
At that, the second bird flew away to freedom while the caged bird remained happy, singing in his cage, unsuspecting his true condition.
Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36)
Our world is full of birds, fat and happy, unaware of their cages. We come to announce the good news of the liberating king!