Juneteenth is often overlooked as an important holiday, but for those who experienced it, it was significant. Did you know that Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas found out they were free?1 That was definitely a day to remember.
Here’s some background. Juneteenth, which is short for June Nineteenth, is the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to ensure slavery was truly abolished there. This occurred over two and a half years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, so yes—freedom was significantly delayed for many people. Juneteenth marks the actual end of slavery in the United States and has long been recognized as one of the oldest African American holidays. It officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.2
This story reminds us that everyone can be freed from slavery: slavery to sin, but many don’t even realize it. However, once someone truly knows in their heart that they are free, it can transform their life.
Let’s look at John 8:34-36. It says, “Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’”
Just as Abraham Lincoln authored the Emancipation Proclamation, Jesus promises to inscribe our names in the Lamb’s book of life, forgive our sins, and free us from sin—if we choose to accept Jesus as our Lord, Savior, and Friend. But do we truly realize this, cherish it in our hearts, and allow Jesus to change our lives?
Jesus promises that if we allow Him to make us free, we are truly free by faith, as sons and daughters of the Most High King! However, some live their lives acting like they want to stay enslaved to sin. At the same time, many remain unaware of the freedom they can experience through Jesus Christ—who unconditionally loves them, sacrificed His life for them, and has made them partakers of righteousness through His blood.
Call to Action
Let us not be the ones to withhold freedom from our brethren. Instead, may we show and tell them about Jesus, who has interceded for them and unshackled them from the bonds of Satan. Will you be a freedom-bearer and ask Jesus to free you from the sins in your life?
All scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- Nix, E. (2025, June 17). What is Juneteenth? | HISTORY. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/articles/what-is-juneteenth
- Questly, A., & Questly, A. (2025, March 14). Fact of the Day: 365 fun and fascinating facts to keep you learning. DoesWhat?! https://doeswhat.com/fun-fact-of-the-day-learn-something-new-every-day/
