Be Not Afraid

Be Not Afraid

Eileen Renders                                                             April 2024

   There are at least three instances in the Catholic bible where the phrase “Be Not Afraid” is mentioned. They are contained in the Catholic Bible and contained in verses from Matthew, Genesis, Luke, and John.

   In Luke 12:32 Jesus says; “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.”

   Luke 2:10: At the birth of Jesus, the angel announces to the shepherds, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you news of great joy.”

   In Genesis 26:24 The Lord appears to Isaac and reassures him saying, “I am with you and will bless you, do not be afraid.”

   Genesis 15:1: The Lord speaks to Abram (later known as Abraham) and says, “do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward will be very great.”

   In Matthew 10:26: Jesus instructs His disciples, “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known.”

   Matthew 10:28: He further emphasizes, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

   Matthew 28:5-6: After Jesus’ resurrection, the angel tells the women at the tomb, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen.”

And again in John 14:27: Jesus says, “Peace I leave you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.”

   John 14:1-3: Jesus comforts His disciples by saying: “Let not your hearts be troubled, Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house, there 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. And you know the way to where I am going.”

·       This beautiful promise reminds us that Jesus goes ahead of us, preparing a heavenly dwelling place for those who trust in Him. It’s message of hope, assurance, and eternal comfort.

   These verses by Jesus’ faithful disciples, who grew to know Jesus intimately, carry the most important message to all of us that by our very trust in Jesus, our faith is sealed, and we are protected. In the philosophy of life, it is very evident that trust is the opposite of fear. Fear then can destroy us while faith can save us.