Have No Fear

Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows (Matthew 10:26-31).

Given the words of Jesus in 10:16-25, it is inevitable that some Christians, i.e. those who are weak in the faith, will draw back from witnessing for fear there will be some who will respond negatively to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord warned us of the mixed responses, so again, it should be expected, though not appreciated.

“Believers should never be afraid of the world because they know God will one day vindicate them” (John MacArthur). Jesus encouraged His apostles not to be afraid. His encouragement was to be sustained by five proofs that would follow them in their work. The first proof addresses their intent and motives. There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known (v.26) is a reference to the sincere character and pure motives of the disciples in their witnessing. That is to be remembered by us today.

When we go out to fulfill the Great Commission by telling others about Jesus, people may have the wrong impression of us. We are not trying to ‘sell’ them a brand of religion, earn our way into heaven, or make our church big and famous. Our desire is to lift up the name of Jesus so that people will believe in and receive Him as Lord and Savior. It is our desire then to be willing to be unknown, despised, rejected, even persecuted with the assurance that our true motives will be understood and our ministry of the Gospel appreciated.

“Lord Jesus, keep me humble before You and before others so that my desire to serve You will be understood by others, my motives will be pure, and my integrity without fault. Keep fear away from my spirit and let it not impact my willingness to obey the leading of Your Holy Spirit in ministering to others. It is for Your honor and glory I ask, Amen.”

Pastor