Fear Not!
For Meditation
One of the most frequent commands in the whole Bible is “fear not.” This suggests a couple things. First, it suggests that there is a lot to be afraid of! God has to tell his children to not be afraid many, many times because there are so many things in our broken world that provoke fear and anxiety. Second, it suggests that there must be a very good reason for us not to be afraid. If God is so emphatic that fear is not to be a part of our lives, there must be a very significant for that!
In this second Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the truth that the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest reason we have to not be afraid. In fact, in all the resurrection accounts, one of the first things Jesus tells his disciples is to not be afraid. There are at least three reasons the resurrection combats our fears. First, because the resurrection tells us that Jesus is alive. He is not a memory or an exemplary person of the past. Jesus is a living Lord who rules over heaven and earth. Second, Jesus is with us. His promise is to be with us to the very end of the age, and he has given us his own Holy Spirit to indwell our hearts and our community. We are never alone. Finally, Jesus loves us. His resurrection is proof that our sins are forgiven, death is conquered, and that nothing can now separate us from the love of God.
As you prepare for worship this week, read the resurrection accounts in the four Gospels and note the theme of fear and faith. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you the power of the resurrection over any fear in your life.
Matthew 28:1–10
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
John 20:19–21
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”