In Paul’s piercing question—“Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not hear the law?”—we confront a truth that spans generations: no human effort can earn God’s favor. From the Garden of Eden to Galatia, humanity has been tempted to trust in our own strength. Eve believed it. Abraham and Sarah wrestled with it. Even today, many cling to religion over relationship, effort over faith.

Paul illustrates this reality through the stories of two mothers—Hagar and Sarah. Hagar represents life under human striving, bondage, and the law. Sarah embodies God’s promise, divine provision, and freedom through faith. Each of us must ask: Who is my mother? Are we bound by rules and guilt, or are we children of promise, born free through Christ?

The gospel is not a ladder to climb, but a gift to receive. Like Isaac, we are born of the Spirit, not the flesh—heirs of the promise, citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, and children of freedom. Paul’s message echoes through the ages: cast aside every false reliance, embrace the gift of grace, and live as sons and daughters of the free woman. For if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed. How might your life look if you truly embraced this freedom today?