Fear is a difficult emotion that can deeply disturb us. Fear comes in many different ways. Fear of the present. Fear of the future. Fear of the unknown. We are not at peace when filled with fear. We become agitated, anxious, apprehensive maybe even paranoid waiting for the next feared event to occur. And so often we hear Jesus say in the Gospels – don’t be afraid.
In today’s reading we hear that repeated with a lovely sentiment: “Do not be afraid little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” The relieving of our fear comes from Jesus giving us the Kingdom of heaven. Something that he has in his power and authority to do. Unlike Satan who promised Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if he would bow down and worship him.
In the world at present, there is much need for this relief because there is so much fear. So many situations and dangers associated that fill our news cycles. Fear is everywhere and troubling people in so many ways. Fear has been used as a weapon since the beginning of creation. Satan used fear to lure Adam and Eve to disobey God so THEY could take control of their destiny and become like God. It was fear that Luther fought against in the church of his time that used fear to extort money from those who could least afford it for fear of themselves and loved ones spending years and years in purgatory.
The fear of what we do not know or control can make us retreat to what we do know where we feel more secure. Fear is stressful and it takes its toll on the body, mind and spirit. It doesn’t take much to trigger the feelings of panic and worry about what might happen in the present or future. All kinds of catastrophes have been happening around the world. Floods, fires, and droughts. There are the continuing issues around violence in homes, on the streets, in schools, and in the world. These cause us to feel unsafe and unsure about venturing into our daily world.
One of our greatest fears is fear of the unknown. There is much that is unknown in our world at this point in history. But Jesus comforts us by removing the only fear that has real dread – the fear of eternal life or rather uncertainty about eternal life. But Jesus urges us not to fear because it is the pleasure of the Father to give us the kingdom of heaven. Instead of fear our heavenly Father replaces fear with pleasure in giving us the treasure of the kingdom even in the midst of the world so troubled by fears. God has taken action to provide for us in the face of what we fear. The unknown. God has made the unknown – certain. It’s hard because the future is hidden from us. But by faith in Jesus Christ we have certainty. Which is what the writer to the Hebrews says: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Even though we can’t visibly see our future we have assurance because of the promise of Jesus Christ that all who believe in him will not perish but receive eternal life. If we didn’t have that certainty then we could never have comfort because we would always be wondering if I have done enough to enter heaven. We would fear our Lord’s return rather than looking forward to it with eager anticipation. Jesus says: Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Being dressed is a reference to our Baptism as Paul says in Galatians: In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Jesus begins with a reassuring command: “Do not be afraid, little flock.” This call to courage gives us insight into the heart of God, who desires that we live without fear, trusting fully in His provision and care. The way Jesus addresses us, “little flock” is tender and recognises our vulnerability. And we are not just individual sheep; we are a community, a flock, a family under God’s watchful eye. And if we look at the verses that come before our reading, Jesus spoke these words to those who were anxious about their needs and uncertain about their future.
We all carry some level of burden. The pressures of life—jobs, finances, family concerns which often lead to fear and anxiety rather than opportunity for prayer to our Heavenly Father. Jesus reminds us that our Father is pleased to give us the kingdom and invites us to speak to him as our Heavenly Father.
This is so we can remove our fear and replace it with confidence in approaching the throne of God in our time of need (as we hear in Hebrews Chapter 4). We belong to a kingdom that is not shaken by the circumstances of this world. As Jesus said to Peter – not even the gates of hell can overcome God’s church. We live under the reign of a King who loves us and is seated at the right had of God making his enemy his footstool – as King David says in Psalm 110 – Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.
Jesus urges us to “sell your possessions and give to the poor.” This doesn’t necessarily mean literally but a call to us to reflect on what it is that gives us security for the future – our possessions or God. This radical call is about prioritizing our treasures. Where we invest our resources reflects where our hearts truly lie, as Jesus says in the sermon on the mount in Matthew 6 and repeats here – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Jesus invites us to store up treasures in heaven. And the reason that Jesus emphasises that is because of our need for readiness for his return because the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. The good news is that Jesus keeps us ready for his return through our faith in him. But there are ways we can be comforted in times where the worry does seem to take over.
Prayer: Staying connected to God through prayer keeps our hearts attuned to Him. We allow His Spirit to guide us and in those times when we just don’t know what to pray the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
Word of God: Regularly immersing ourselves in the bible gives us wisdom and understanding and reminds us to keep focused on the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Community: We cannot walk this journey alone. We are part of a faith community, a flock where the body of Christ supports each other. As Paul says – when one part of the body hurts the entire body hurts. We encourage each other as the book of Hebrews chapter 10 says – let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
So as we await our Lord’s return, whether it’s in our lifetime or after we have been called from this life – we are ready. Jesus has made us ready the day he cried out from the cross – it is finished. So, as Jesus “little flock” let us not fear but embrace the truth that we are children of the kingdom, called to live without fear. As we do so, may we also remember that our Master is coming back—not as a thief in the night for those who are his little flock but as our Good Shepherd bringing us home.
