Compare the disciples' fear in Luke 24:37 with other biblical instances of fear. The Disciples’ Fear in Luke 24:37 • “But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.” (Luke 24:37) • Context: locked room, rumors of the empty tomb, and suddenly Jesus stands among them (v. 36). • Emotion: a mix of terror, surprise, and confusion—rooted in misunderstanding of what they were seeing. Fear of the Unknown: Mistaking the Supernatural • Matthew 14:26—when Jesus walked on the sea, “they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’” • Acts 12:13-15—believers assume the servant girl has seen Peter’s “angel,” not Peter himself. • Common thread: limited human perception interprets the extraordinary as threatening. Fear in the Presence of Divine Holiness • Exodus 3:6—Moses “hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” • Isaiah 6:5—Isaiah cries, “Woe to me… for my eyes have seen the King.” • Daniel 10:8—Daniel’s “strength left” when he saw the heavenly messenger. • Revelation 1:17—John “fell at His feet as though dead” when he saw the glorified Christ. • Key idea: sinful humanity instinctively trembles before unveiled holiness. Fear in Life-Threatening Crisis • Mark 4:37-41—disciples panic in the storm; Jesus calms the sea, then asks, “Why are you so afraid?” • Luke 8:37—Gerasenes beg Jesus to leave “because great fear came over them” after the demoniac is delivered. • 2 Chronicles 20:3—King Jehoshaphat “was afraid” when facing invasion, yet sought the Lord. How Jesus Addresses Fear • Luke 24:38-39—“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet…” • John 20:19—“Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’” • Matthew 17:7—He touches the terrified disciples on the mount and says, “Get up. Do not be afraid.” • Pattern: He confronts fear with His presence, His word, and tangible evidence. From Fear to Boldness • Acts 2:14—Peter, once panic-stricken, now preaches fearlessly after the Spirit’s arrival. • Acts 4:13—religious leaders notice their “boldness” and that “they had been with Jesus.” • 1 John 4:18—“Perfect love drives out fear.” The more real Christ’s love becomes, the less room fear occupies. Key Takeaways • Fear often springs from misperception (thinking Jesus is a spirit) or from sudden exposure to God’s power. • Scripture consistently shows God initiating reassurance—“Do not be afraid” is Heaven’s frequent greeting. • The resurrected Christ transforms fearful followers into courageous witnesses; the same progression is offered to believers today. |
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