Fear is limiting.
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Fear leads to worry.
Fear is paralyzing.
Fear leads to poor decisions.
Fear played a significant role in the actions and decisions of many people involved in Jesus’ death.
Fear and its effects on the actions of significant people in the Easter story
High priest and teachers of the law: The Jewish leaders were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus (Luke 22:2). Fear kept them stuck in their own narrative about Jesus and his leadership. They felt threatened that they would lose their leadership positions. So they were unwilling to accept Jesus as Messiah and believe what the scriptures said about him. His presence was like a thorn in the flesh. Fear led to their poor decisions about Jesus.
Judas Iscariot: He knew Jesus intimately and was one of the twelve disciples. Motivated by greed, he approached the Jewish elders to discuss how he might betray Jesus (Luke 22:4-6). Even though he was the treasurer, fear and greed led him down the dangerous path of betrayal, remorse, regret, despair, and death (Matthew 27:3-5)
Simon Peter: Peter was one of the three in Jesus’ inner circle. He denied Jesus even after Jesus gave him a warning.
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. Luke 22:31-32
Peter’s response- Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will. Matthew 26:33
As predicted, Peter followed Jesus from a distance. When some folks identified him as one of Jesus’ followers, he denied it vehemently. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times out of fear. In the end, he felt shame and disappointment for letting Jesus down (Luke 22:54-60).
Pilate: He was the Roman governor. The Jewish leaders led Jesus to Pilate based on false accusations. After interrogating Jesus, Pilate found no evidence for a charge against Jesus. Pilate didn’t dare to face the truth, and he allowed the people to flog and crucify Jesus (Luke 23:3-7,24-25). Yet, fear kept him from releasing Jesus, and he gave in to the people’s pressure. Fear which is the opposite of courage leads to people-pleasing.
Simon from Cyrene: He was just returning from a trip when the soldiers forced him to carry the cross for Jesus. I can imagine the fear that gripped Simon as he carried the cross. Were they going to kill him too? Perhaps he should have waited a while in the country before returning home. Fear or not, he carried the cross for Jesus. (Luke 23:26)
Joseph of Arimathea: He was a wealthy member of the Jewish council. He was a believer in secret who didn’t consent to the decisions and actions of the Jewish leaders. Why didn’t he speak up while Jesus was being persecuted?
Fear of what others may think or say. Fear of conflict and confrontation. Fortunately, he overcame that fear and offered to collect Jesus’ body and give it a proper burial.
Mary Magdalene and the Women: Throughout his life and ministry, Mary and the women were strong, dedicated supporters of Jesus. Although they were afraid, they didn’t allow fear to paralyze them. They followed Jesus from Galilee (Luke 23:55), and they were the first to see the risen Jesus (Luke 24:1-5).
Jesus: He could have called a million angels to come to his rescue… to do away with this cup of suffering. But Jesus didn’t give in to fear. Instead, he chose courage.
Why? Because he was on a rescue mission to redeem you and me from a life of sin and death. This mission was the motivation for his willing spirit to follow God’s plan of redemption. He put up with the false accusations, defamation, floggings, shame, contempt, and disrespect.
For you and I, Jesus sacrificed his life to give us a life of freedom.
Thank God Jesus’ story didn’t end in defeat but one of resurrection, salvation, hope, and freedom for all eternity.
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus’ extravagant, reckless, and fearless love overcomes all fear!
Thank you, Lord, for your tremendous love.
How is fear keeping you from experiencing Jesus’ extravagant and fearless love? Spend some time and thank God for his marvelous love for you. Ask him to help you let go of your fears.
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