Still the Search Goes On: Finding Real Freedom in a Locked Room

“I’ve been looking for freedom, I’ve been looking so long…”— David Hasselhoff

That slightly cheesy, oddly poignant lyric captures something surprisingly deep: the universal human longing for freedom. And each generation seems to chase it in a different way.

In the 60s, it was rebellion—tearing down the rigid expectations of the past, rejecting the conformity of faith, family, and nation. In the 80s, it was consumerism—freedom as success, wealth, and self-sufficiency. In the 2000s, maybe it was digital freedom—the promise of endless choice, creativity, and connection.

And today? Many people—especially younger ones—aren’t so convinced by any of that. We’re more sceptical. We question institutions, algorithms, and even our own self-made identities. And yet, despite the deconstruction, the longing remains.

We’re still looking for freedom. Still searching.Still stuck.

Behind Closed Doors

In this weeks gospel reading from John 20, the disciples aren’t exactly chasing dreams. They’re locked in a room. Hiding. Afraid.

This is Easter evening—Jesus has risen, but they’re not feeling victorious. They’re not out spreading good news. They’re huddled behind closed doors, wondering what’s next.

And then—Jesus comes. No knock. No dramatic entrance. He simply appears.

“Peace be with you.”

He meets them in their fear. He doesn’t wait for them to pull themselves together or come looking for him. He meets them right there, in the mess and the fear.

That’s grace. That’s the beginning of real freedom.

Freedom Is Not What You Think

Freedom, according to Jesus, is not found out there in the world—if only we can travel far enough, buy enough, or become enlightened enough. It’s found when he enters the room.

When he speaks peace into the parts of us that are anxious, overwhelmed, or ashamed. When we realise we don’t have to perform or pretend.

With Jesus, there are no conditions to meet. No hoops to jump through. No spiritual credit score.

Just this: Peace be with you.

And then—almost immediately—he adds:

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Freedom doesn’t end with comfort. It leads to purpose.

Sent and Supported

Jesus sends the disciples out into the world—but not as lone rangers. He breathes on them and says:

“Receive the Holy Spirit.”

That’s John’s version of Pentecost. No rushing wind. No tongues of fire. Just a quiet breath—and a powerful presence.

Because real freedom is never about being totally independent. It’s about being deeply connected.

Connected to Christ. Connected to his people. Connected to a purpose that’s bigger than ourselves.

Looking for Freedom?

So maybe you’re still searching. Maybe you feel like you’ve tried it all—status, success, self-discovery—and none of it quite scratches the itch.

Maybe, like the disciples, you feel stuck behind locked doors.

If so, there’s good news: you don’t have to find freedom.

Freedom has come to find you.

And his name is Jesus.

He doesn’t just offer escape from fear—he offers peace. He doesn’t just offer escape from responsibility—he offers purpose. He doesn’t just give you a mission—he gives you his presence.

So wherever you find yourself today—whatever “locked room” you might be in—take heart.

He’s already standing with you.

Still the search goes on, sure.

But maybe… you can stop searching now.

Because he’s already here.