Luke 5:8-11  

 

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” . . . And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

 

Luke 12:29-34 

 

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

 

John 14:1-3, 27

 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. . . . Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

John 16:33 (NKVJ)

 

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus often encouraged his disciples not to fear. This was because our Lord’s total trust was in his Father. We read of him praying so often because that is how he remained at peace through so much opposition. Jesus connected his disciples to the care and protection of the Father through himself. As they trusted in Christ, they were taken into the love of the triune God. 

 

In today’s passages, we see Jesus speak “Fear not” to the disciples in various situations. Let’s walk through these and see how they apply.

 

“Fear Not” when you do not feel worthy. After the miraculous catch of fish, Simon Peter realized that Jesus was more than an ordinary man. Jesus was the Holy One in our midst. Suddenly Peter felt his own inadequacy and sinfulness. But Jesus said to him, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus was not shocked by human sin nor offended by the taint of our evil. He came to forgive sins, so he proved that the forgiveness he would achieve on the cross was meant for Peter too. Jesus made him part of his mission, saying, “From now on you will be fishing for people!”

 

Our guilt, fully and justly earned, makes us fear being in the presence of God. The mission of Jesus to the world seems to require someone purer and truer than inadequate me. But our sinfulness does not daunt Jesus. He still calls us to himself and sends us to others. This is evident in the powerful words Paul left us to use when the Accuser attacks us: “Who is to condemn [us]? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). The only one in a position to judge is the One who paid for our sin and included us in his rising!

 

“Fear Not” when you don’t know if you have enough. Jesus tenderly understood that as physical creatures, we need nourishment, clothing and shelter. Coming from a humble background, Jesus knew the meaning of thrift and striving to make ends meet. He reminded his disciples that our Father knows what we need, and he does not care for us begrudgingly. These sweet words calm our fears about running out: “Fear not, little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Therefore, we can find freedom from worry by joining his kingdom economics. Jesus encouraged us to trust him by actually giving out more to others, believing the Father will fill in all we need. So Paul concludes, “I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content. . . . And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:11, 19). 

 

“Fear Not” when you are facing death. On this Good Friday, we remember the comfort Jesus gave to his disciples just before he was arrested. We often quote these words when coping with the loss of loved ones or facing our own mortal frailty: “Let not your hearts be troubled. . . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . that where I am, you may be also.” Once more, Jesus links peace and encouragement with himself. When we encounter death, we do so with the one who passed through its dark gates and came out the other side shimmering with everlasting life. Jesus has made a way through for all who trust in him. Nothing in this world can give us surety against the destroying power of death. No person or product can show us the other side of eternity. But the unbroken witness of Christ’s people through the centuries is that one man came back from the dead, victorious over that power forever. He showed us his body living again and transformed for everlasting life. Therefore, his words, beyond hope, create the effect they command, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

“Fear Not” in the tribulations of the world. In John’s gospel, these were the last words of instruction Jesus gave his disciples: “That in me you may have peace.” In me. He asks us to coordinate our whole lives with his. Entrusting ourselves entirely to him, our fears get quelled. We do not find peace through any security system we can create (they all fail). Nor through keeping all threats and turmoil at bay (we can’t). Nor by hiding away from the world (we’ll be found). But joined to Jesus in continuing faith, we find the peace that passes understanding. He asks us to release control, to cease trying to work it out on our own and entrust our whole lives to him.

 

When we enter such a union by faith, we can begin to plumb the depths of his promise. In the world, we certainly will have tribulation. That’s a fact. As one of my childhood friends used to say, “It’s gonna hurt and you’re gonna cry.” No doubt. But then there’s more. Take heart. Rise up. Be of good cheer! In a world such as this, you may yet rejoice, even in sorrow. For Jesus has overcome the world. Let that be our prayer on this holy day.