Don’t Fear

Don’t Fear

Matthew 10:21-28, NLT

A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 22And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. 23When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel. 24Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. 25Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! 26But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 27What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! 28Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Setting the Scene

After explaining that the disciples would be opposed and persecuted, Jesus detailed some of the persecutions to come and how the disciples should react. Christ and his message would tear apart families—nothing could be more painful than a brother betraying his brother “to death” or a parent causing his or her child to be killed. In addition, they would be hated by all types of people. Jesus’ disciples would share his authority, but they would also share his sufferings. Then Jesus explained that his followers should be patient and faithful throughout the persecution, knowing that they have a reward that is certain.

The key phrase in this section is “Don’t be afraid”—of those who threaten and of those who cannot touch the soul. The apostles should boldly proclaim God’s truth, shouting it “from the housetops for all to hear!” Christ’s followers should be far more fearful of disobeying God than of facing martyrdom. We are not to be afraid of people but in awe of God.

Later, many of the disciples suffered and died for following Christ. Yet their bold witness ignited a fire that spread all over the world.

Getting Personal

How has your family responded to your personal faith and bold witness for Christ?

Of what have you been most afraid as you’ve followed Christ?

Whether the Bible translation reads “Fear not,” “Have no fear,” or “Don’t be afraid,” the message is clear. Yet often we pull back from sharing our faith because of what it might cost us in relationships, income, or social status. Believers in many parts of the world face harsh persecution, living out Jesus’ predictions of verse 21. God asks for bold witnesses to his truth, men and women whose actions and words shout the truth about Christ. Hear your Savior’s words as he commissions you: “Don’t be afraid.”

Talking to God

Today give the Lord your primary loyalty, and ask him to help you bear it if others criticize or malign that central commitment to him.