Defining Discipleship
Step Nine: Don't Worry

As we continue our journey through the gospels we find Jesus saying this to his disciples.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.”

Luke 12: 22-23 (NIV)

This may seem an odd instruction to pull out when thinking about discipleship, but it is not an unusual biblical theme. The command “Do not be afraid” occurs over seventy times in the bible.

The world is filled with things that we can worry about, or be afraid of, but the instruction is clear.

Don't worry because God Provides

“Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well”

Luke 12: 29-31 (NIV)

Jesus promise to the disciples is that God is the one who provides. Note that the promise here comes with a condition. If we seek his kingdom first, these other things will be provided for us.

Don't fear because God is with us

As Jesus is preparing to leave his disciples and return to the Father he says this

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14: 24-27 (NIV)

This is mirrored in his final words, at the end of the Great Commission in Matthew's gospel.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28: 20 (NIV)

He doesn't leave us to fulfill his will without him. He promises to go with us, and to provide the Holy Spirit.

Earlier in Luke's gospel we see a specific example of this.

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Luke 12: 11-12 (NIV)

He knows that things will not always be easy, but the promise is clear. His spirit dwells in us and will speak through us.

Don't be afraid of Death

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

Luke 12: 4-5 (NIV)

Jesus instructs his disciples not to fear those which might kill them. He also tells a father who's daughter is dying

Don’t be afraid; just believe.

Mark 5: 36 (NIV)

We do not need to fear death, because Jesus is mightier than death, and has gone ahead to prepare a place for us.

Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!

Revelation 1: 17-18 (NIV)

Don't be afraid of his power working in us

One morning when Peter had been fishing unsuccessfully, Jesus tells him to cast his nets out one more time. What happens next is a miraculous catch of fish beyond anything Peter has any right to expect.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

Luke 5: 8 -10 (NIV)

Jesus wants to work miracles through his disciples, but we most not be afraid of his power within us.

Take Action

• Where do you need to confront fear in your life?
• Is fear stopping you step out as a disciple or witness for Christ?
• Ask him to forgive you, and ask for the Holy Spirit to overcome fear within you