How Many Times Did Jesus Say “Do Not Be Afraid”?
Fear is a natural human response to various situations, but it can also be a hindrance to personal growth and spiritual development. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous instances where God encourages His people to not be afraid. One significant figure who repeatedly emphasized this message was Jesus Christ himself. In this article, we will explore how many times Jesus said “do not be afraid” and the significance of this message in our lives.
1. Matthew 14:27 – “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.'” In this verse, Jesus reassures his disciples who were terrified during a stormy night. He encourages them not to fear, as he is there with them.
2. Matthew 17:7 – “But Jesus came and touched them and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.'” Here, Jesus comforts his disciples, Peter, James, and John, after they fell on their faces in fear during the transfiguration. He tells them to rise and not be afraid.
3. Mark 5:36 – “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.'” In this verse, Jesus addresses Jairus, whose daughter was gravely ill. Despite the news of her death, Jesus encourages Jairus to have faith and not be afraid.
4. Luke 5:10 – “And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid. From now on, you will catch men.'” Jesus utters these words to Simon (later known as Peter) and his partners after they witnessed a miraculous catch of fish. He assures them of their new purpose and encourages them not to fear.
5. Luke 8:50 – “But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.'” Similar to Matthew 17:7, Jesus speaks to Jairus after receiving news of his daughter’s death. He emphasizes the importance of faith and encourages Jairus not to fear.
6. John 6:20 – “But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.'” In this verse, Jesus speaks to his disciples while walking on water. He assures them of his presence and encourages them not to succumb to fear.
7. John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In this powerful statement, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, urging them to not allow fear to trouble their hearts.
FAQs:
1. Why did Jesus repeatedly say “do not be afraid”?
Jesus understood the human tendency to fear and wanted to reassure his followers of his presence, power, and ability to protect them. His words aimed to promote faith, trust, and courage in the face of adversity.
2. How can we apply Jesus’ message of not being afraid in our lives?
We can apply this message recognizing that fear is often rooted in uncertainty and lack of trust. By strengthening our faith in God and cultivating a deep relationship with Him, we can find peace and courage to face life’s challenges.
3. Are there instances where Jesus himself felt afraid?
Scripture does not explicitly mention Jesus experiencing fear, but it is believed that he may have experienced anguish and distress during his crucifixion. However, even in those moments, he demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s plan.
4. Did Jesus’ message of not being afraid apply only to his disciples?
No, Jesus’ message of not being afraid applies to everyone. It is a universal message that transcends time, culture, and circumstances. It is a call to trust in God’s sovereignty and to find comfort in His presence.
5. Can fear ever be beneficial?
Fear can serve as a protective mechanism in dangerous situations, but excessive and irrational fear can hinder personal growth and prevent us from fulfilling our purpose. Jesus encourages us to overcome such fear through faith.
6. How can we conquer fear?
Conquering fear requires a conscious effort to trust in God’s plan and to replace fear with faith. Regular prayer, reading scripture, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community can help us overcome fear.
7. Is it normal for Christians to experience fear?
Yes, it is normal for Christians to experience fear. However, Jesus’ message reminds us that fear does not have the final say in our lives. With Christ as our foundation, we can find strength and courage to face our fears.
In conclusion, Jesus’ repeated message of “do not be afraid” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and trust. By recognizing His presence and power, we can overcome fear and find peace in all circumstances. Let us embrace His words and walk boldly in faith, knowing that He is with us always.