Holy Week’s biggest lesson: Be not afraid

Holy Week is one of my favorite seasons in the church. It is a roller coaster of emotions. On Palm Sunday, we cheer in jubilation as Jesus enters Jerusalem. We wave our palms and shout ‘Hosanna in the highest!’

Next we partake in the Lord’s Supper on Maudy Thursday. We witness Jesus breaking the bread and sharing the cup. We share in the passion and remembrance, but alas we know what is coming next. Good Friday takes us down the path of Jesus in the garden being taken by the Romans, the ‘trial’ with Pilate, and the subsequent crucifixion at the hand of his own people. We see nothing pain, betrayal and heat break. But we know that Sunday is coming.

The Gospel lesson this week is from Matthew, the 28th chapter. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph go to the tomb. When they arrive an angel of the Lord rolls back the stone sits on top of it. The angel tells them that Jesus is not here for he has risen. The first few words the angel speaks I feel are the most important. The angel tells them ‘Do not be afraid.’ After witnessing what they had seen three days prior, that is a big ask. They were at the crucifixion. They saw Jesus’ body nailed to the cross. Fear of what was going to happen next had to be at the forefront of their mind.

A few sentences later we see the phrase ‘Do not be afraid’ again. This time it is Jesus himself talking to Mary and Mary. Jesus tells them to find the disciples, and to tell them to go to Galilee, where Jesus will meet them. By this point, perhaps the fear is leaving Mary and Mary. Not only have they seen an angel, but they have seen Jesus resurrected. Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Fear is such a driving force in our lives. That is not always bad.

Sometimes fear can protect us. It’s our body telling us that danger is ahead. But sometimes fear can be so crippling that it clouds our judgement. How many times in our lives have we missed opportunities because we have lived in fear? Many days we still live in fear. Fear for what is happening in the world. Fear of our neighbors. Fear of failing. Even fear of what others think of ourselves.

Fear has a purpose. Fear has a use.

But fear is also a weapon. It is a weapon of authority to keep you in line. Unfortunately, it has also been a weapon of the church in the past. We have to train ourselves that we must live with fear, not in fear. It’s ok to be afraid. Be sure to ask yourself why you are afraid. Is it fear over getting hurt? Fear of consequences? Don’t let the fear run your decisions.

After the death of Jesus, many of his followers lived every day in fear. If they could do this to Jesus, then what could they do to me? That question still lingers with people today. Even in that fear, Jesus tells us to ‘Fear Not’ and that he will be with us always, to the end of the age. To me, that’s assurance enough.

Hopefully that is the case for you as well.

Blessings to you as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.