Do Not Be Afraid

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, “You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!” John 12:9-19

While I was in college, I worked in a daycare for two year old kids. One favorite book had a refrain,  " don't be scared!" They loved the book and loved shouting it along with me when I read it to them. When Mark and I got married, they gave us me a huge card that said, "don't be scared!" Easier said then done. Most of the time, we have every reason to be afraid. Jesus was under threat of death, and yet he was saying to them (and to us) "do not be afraid!" May we be bold enough today to set fear aside and rejoice in God's love for us.

Wondrous Creator, the skies have darkened

and the storms of life threaten to overwhelm

yet you called us to not be afraid in the storm

for you have promised to be here with us.

Help us to let go of fear and worry today

and get about the business of loving care

for you are the source of strength and courage

and you are with us in all the challenges we face. Amen.