Sunday, January 25, 2026
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: IN SEARCH OF TRUE FREEDOM?
THEME SCRIPTURE: “But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.” — Matthew 26:56
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What is true freedom, and can we identify it when we bump into it?
The disciples walked with Jesus for three years. They saw miracles that shattered natural laws— blind eyes opened, dead bodies restored, storms silenced. They learned to pray, to hope, to expect God’s Kingdom. Yet when Jesus was arrested and crucified, they fled. Why? Because the freedom Jesus brought was not the freedom they expected.
They imagined liberation from Roman rule. Jesus spoke of liberation from sin. They expected a visible throne. He established an eternal Kingdom. Even repeated warnings of His death and resurrection did not penetrate their assumptions.
As Augustine observed, “They saw the flesh, but the meaning was hidden; they heard the words, but did not grasp the mystery” (Sermon 232). After the resurrection, Jesus did not confront them with rebuke first, but with peace: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Not peace as the world gives—temporary relief tied to circumstances— but peace rooted in reconciliation with God. This peace addressed their deepest need, not their loudest fear.
We are not unlike them. We pray for financial stability when the deeper issue is greed. We ask for protection from hostile systems when Christ aims to free us from fear and pride.
We want God to defeat our enemies; He wants to transform our hearts. As Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “The true kingdom is the soul’s submission to God, where sin no longer reigns” (On the Lord’s Prayer).
Jesus did not come to rearrange external power structures first, but to break the dominion of sin. Paul is precise: “For freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1)—freedom not from taxes or trials, but from slavery to sin and death (Romans 6:6–7).
Often, what we want for ourselves seems to be different from what God wants for us, primarily because our needs are often defined with worldly standards.
Worldly freedom promises control and produces anxiety. Christ’s freedom demands surrender and yields peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Beloved, this year, what are you looking for? Are you in search of true freedom or riches? Are you in search of true peace or material things? Do you really know what you truly need?
The resurrected Christ still enters locked rooms—spaces of fear, confusion, and disappointment. He still speaks peace into lives surrendered to Him. The question is whether we will let Him redefine our needs and whether we will surrender to Him alone. Choose His bidding and live.
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – Matthew 26
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- In your prayers, what freedom are you most often asking Jesus to give?
- Where might you be mistaking surface relief for deep transformation?
- What would it look like for Christ’s Kingdom to rule more fully in your inner life?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, You know how easily I confuse my desires with Your purposes. Free me not merely from external pressures, but from the sin that binds my heart to things. Superimpose Your Kingdom within me—over my thoughts, habits, and loves. I receive Your peace, not as the world gives, but as You alone can give. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Genesis 39-40; Psalm 25
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