Jun 13 2020 Matthew 17:1-13

But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’

This morning, we have another example of Jesus telling his disciples to not be afraid. It is the single most repeated sentiment from Jesus. Do not be afraid. And it comes at all sorts of times when normal folks would absolutely be afraid. Big storm in small boat. Do not be afraid if someone kills the body. Jesus walking on the water. Jesus shows up in the locked room after he’d been crucified. Or today’s story, Jesus is ‘transfigured’ or made very illumined after going up the mountain. 

To me, these are examples of the big difference between us mortals, and Jesus, God incarnate. Each of the circumstances would be terrifying, because they’re so far outside of our human experience or expectations. Jesus, God incarnate, shows the power and might of God, which of course would cause fear. It’s almost as if God is setting up a circumstance where fear would absolutely be the result, and a reasonable result. Perhaps like tempering metal, God was creating repeated tests, to make us stronger. And in each instance, the response was to remind us again we are not to be afraid. In all of these extreme circumstances, Jesus again reminds us to not be afraid. 

Here we sit, thousands of years later, still needing this message. It seems we’re tested, right and left. And yet, I can imagine that if Jesus was here, he’d be offering the same repeated message. Do not be afraid. 

• Unprecedented pandemic, killing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Do not be afraid. 
• Crushing economic disruption caused by shutting everything down. Do not be afraid. 
• Jobs lost, loved ones dying alone, stable housing jeopardized. Do not be afraid. 
• Unarmed black men killed at the hands of white men sanctioned to carry weapons. Do not be afraid. 
• Looting, riots. Do not be afraid. 
• Healthcare protections for transgender children of God removed. Do not be afraid. 
• An insidious disease like schizophrenia permanently changing the life of the sick, and their families. Do not be afraid. 
• Whatever it is that’s going on in my world, in your world that’s scary. Do not be afraid. 

As a people of faith in Jesus Christ, we are absolutely called to not be afraid. Some might argue that some of these current day problems cause anger, not fear, and that anger might be justified. But most often anger, at its root, is how we lash out when we’re afraid. If we are not afraid, perhaps the anger would dissipate too. 

I’m not suggesting things aren’t crappy. But we are absolutely called to rise above the absolutely normal reaction to be afraid, and I’d argue the resulting reaction of being angry. 

This morning, I’m thinking about how to respond to this world with love, rather than fear. Love in the face of the pandemic. Love in the economic and personal tragedy caused by the pandemic. Love in the face of continued white supremacy. Love in the face of mental illness. 

Love has the ability to stop fear in its tracks. I can see that when I get glimpses of love in action, in the face of what is scary. I want to be that person. I want to respond with love. I want to stop fear in its tracks.