Message: Don't be afraid / Luke 12:32-40

No one is free from fear. In fact, fear is one of the most important feelings that helps people and animals stay alive. When there is danger, fear makes the whole body focus on it. For example, when a deer sees a lion, the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls emotions, sends a fear signal that prepares the whole body to run. Adrenaline is released, the heart beats faster, breathing speeds up, and blood flows more quickly. Energy goes to the muscles, while other body functions slow down. This kind of fear helps us escape from danger. It is necessary for survival. Without it, people and animals could not respond properly to risks.

However, the problem is that people can create fear in their minds. Sometimes we feel afraid of things that are not happening now. We can feel anxious about what might happen next month, next year, or even ten years from now. We may lie awake at night worrying about things that might never happen.

When fear grows too big inside us, it can pull us away from the present moment. It takes our attention away from what really matters. It can make us give up before we even try. Our energy is wasted only on worries. Fear can shrink our courage, lower our confidence, and make it harder to accept the changes we need. We start to build walls around ourselves and choose to stay in a small box instead of stepping into the real world.

Fear affects us not just personally. It can also harm our relationships and society. When fear becomes too strong in our hearts, it can easily turn into anger, hate, or hostility toward others.

In her book The Monarchy of Fear: A Philosopher Looks at Our Political Crisis (2018), American philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum examines human emotions to explain why democracy in the United States is facing serious threats these days. She says fear is one of the most basic feelings we are born with. Just as a baby fears losing a parent’s attention and care, adults fear losing what they have. 

Nussbaum explains that uncertainty often feeds this fear. Things like economic problems, globalization, or fast social changes can make people feel worried about the future. In that situation, fear can spread quickly, making it harder for people to trust and respect each other. When people feel unsafe or unsure, they sometimes look for someone to blame. That is when fear turns into other harmful feelings.

Fear can turn into anger, causing people to act aggressively instead of trying to solve problems. Fear can cause disgust, leading to calling some groups dirty, dangerous, or less human. Fear can also increase envy, making us believe that someone else’s success takes something away from us. Even sexism, Nussbaum says, can come from fear, as some people see women’s growing equality as a threat and respond with hostility.

To break this cycle from fear, Nussbaum suggests choosing love because love matters for justice. Love brings hope in the goodness of people and the belief that we can build a better future together. The love she talks about is not just for family and friends. It also means showing compassion and understanding to the whole community, even to those with different political or religious views.

To help love grow in us, Nussbaum highlights the value of the arts, religion, and a safe social system. Books, music, and theatre help us imagine other people’s lives and feel more empathy. Religion can reduce fear by teaching love and respect for others. In a faith community, people from different backgrounds and social classes learn and live together, sharing experiences that bring them closer. She also says it is important to improve medical care and social support so people feel less fear about their survival.

In the Bible, God understands human fear, so expressions like “Don’t be afraid” appear about 365 times. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus also tells his followers, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Jesus and his disciples were walking toward Jerusalem. The road ahead was full of uncertainty. They were tired and worried about what awaited them. At first, they followed Jesus with hope. But as they travelled, they began to feel the weight of danger. They knew they could be killed for following him. They were anxious about what to say if religious or political leaders arrested and questioned them. They also wondered how they would survive without a stable job or steady income.

Into this cloud of worry, Jesus spoke words of love: “Do not be afraid, little flock.” He called them a “little flock.” Jesus knew they were small and fragile, vulnerable and weak. They were not strong enough to overcome all their fears and worries. But Jesus assured them they were not alone or abandoned. They belonged to God, the Good Shepherd.

Jesus told them to sell their possessions and give to the poor. This was not a call for reckless sacrifice. He was inviting them to step out of fear and trust that God would guide their way. Generosity comes from trust, and when we live with that trust, we can experience God as the Giver of all gifts.

Jesus then told a parable about servants who stayed awake in the dark, waiting for their master to return from a wedding feast. They were calm and steady. Their lamps were burning, and their hearts were open. When the master arrived, he did not bring commands or orders. He did not act like a ruthless boss. Instead, he offered a banquet. He tied up his robe, invited them to sit at the table, and served them himself.

This is the heart of God’s kingdom. It is not a place ruled by fear but one full of love, faith, and hope. There is no need to be afraid of the darkness. All we need is a lamp. If we wait, the Lord will come to us. Our Lord does not come as a dictator or ruler. The Most High serves us at the banquet as the humblest.

It is also important to note that the servants waited together. They were not alone. They stood side by side in the dark. They waited as a community. Overcoming fear is not something we do alone. We need each other. When we gather in prayer, share our burdens, and let others help carry our fears, our lamps burn brighter. One person might be caught off guard, but a community of faith standing watch together is ready for whatever comes.

We are surrounded every day by things that bring us fear. News stories warn of disasters and crimes. Social media stirs up division. Bills keep coming. Our bodies grow weaker. Our congregation does not look as strong as it did 50 years ago. These things may make us close ourselves off, hold our hands tightly, and lock our hearts.

But Jesus says to us, “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus does not say this because we are strong and have no reason to fear. Jesus knows us and the world. Jesus knows our weakness and vulnerability. Jesus knows the harsh realities in the world. Still, Jesus invites us to find comfort and peace because we belong to God, our Shepherd and Lord, and because we have each other.

Our Shepherd walks with us. In this moment, listen to the voice: “Do not be afraid, little flock.” Let those words settle deep inside us. Let them calm our hearts. Let them help us let go of what we feel we must hold on to. Let them guide us with love and hope.

Thanks be to God. Amen.