A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

DO NOT BE AFRAID – Part I     

Matthew 10:26-27 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” 

Only 1/3 of the world’s population is Christian. 2/3 of the United States population is Christian. Only 1/3 of those who do profess to believe in Jesus actively speak to others about their faith in Jesus. Survey after survey indicates the number one reason Christians are uncomfortable with telling others about their faith in Jesus is they are afraid to do so.   

Surveys of Christians reveal that a Christian is more likely to share their personal faith in Jesus with someone who they know or believe has an identical faith. The survey results are entirely different when a Christian believes the person with whom they are speaking does not have an identical belief in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. In fact, these surveys often indicate that less than 10% of Christians will share their faith if they believe the person with whom they are talking does not share a similar belief in Jesus. 

In today’s devotional verses Jesus says, “Do not be afraid . . .” Jesus’ words of encouragement are very necessary due to the natural tendency of Christians is to only share their faith with someone who has the same belief as they do. Note, He does not attempt to calm your fear with promising that all will go well when you tell others the Gospel. To be truthful, Jesus taught that those who are most faithful to Him may indeed suffer the most. 

In today’s devotional verses, Jesus says you do not have to fear those who are opposed to Him. What you are sharing is not a secret. The Gospel is well known by believers and non-believers alike. Only the eyes of faith are able to see the truth of the Gospel. Only the ears of faith hear the Gospel’s words as Good News. Only the Holy Spirit is able to soften the heart of the unbeliever and lead them to faith in Jesus. You are simply the sower of the seed of God’s word.  

Jesus said regarding you giving your witness: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:16-20)  

Prayer: Grant me, O Lord, faith to trust You to be with me and watch over me, especially when I am telling others the Good News of Your love for all people through Your Son Jesus. In His name. Amen. 

Lord of all nations, grant me grace   
To love all people, ev’ry race;  
And in each person may I see   
My kindred, loved, redeemed by Thee. 

Break down the wall that would divide   
Thy children, Lord, on ev’ry side  
My neighbor’s good let me pursue;  
Let Christian love bind warm and true. 

Forgive me, Lord, where I have erred  
By loveless act and thoughtless word.  
Make me to see the wrong I do  
Will grieve my wounded Lord anew. 

Give me Thy courage, Lord, to speak  
Whenever strong oppress the weak.  
Should I myself the victim be,  
Help me forgive, remembr’ing Thee. 

Give me Thy courage, Lord, to speak  
Whenever strong oppress the weak.  
Should I myself the victim be,  
Help me forgive, remembr’ring Thee.  

With Thine own love may I be filled  
And by Thy Holy Spirit willed,  
That all I touch, where’er I be,  
May be divinely touched by Thee.  

Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace // LSB 844