What steps can you take to follow Jesus despite fear of persecution? John 11:8—Fear Meets Faith “The disciples said to Him, ‘Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and You are going there again?’” The disciples’ words drip with anxiety. Yet Jesus turns His face toward danger because obedience to the Father outranks personal safety. Their moment helps us map out steps for following Him when persecution looms. Step 1: Acknowledge the Fear, Then Hand It to Jesus • Fear is real; pretending it isn’t only deepens it. • Jesus doesn’t scold the disciples for voicing concern—He redirects them (John 11:9-10). • 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Step 2: Walk in the Light You’ve Been Given • John 11:9 – 10: “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? … whoever walks by day will not stumble.” • Stay within God’s revealed will—His Word provides light for each step (Psalm 119:105). • When you know what obedience looks like today, do it; tomorrow’s courage shows up when tomorrow arrives (Matthew 6:34). Step 3: Draw Strength from the Spirit, Not Self-Reliance • 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Acts 4:31: the early church prayed, the place shook, they “spoke the word of God boldly.” • Daily surrender invites the Spirit to replace panic with power. Step 4: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus’ Example • Hebrews 12:2-3: consider Him “who endured such hostility… so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” • John 11 shows Jesus moving toward danger to raise Lazarus—love motivates Him more than threats deter Him. • Imitate that resolve: love people enough to risk misunderstanding or opposition for their eternal good. Step 5: Embrace the Cost and the Reward • Matthew 16:24-25: deny self, take up cross, follow. • 2 Corinthians 4:17: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.” • Persecution cannot rob what Christ already secured (Romans 8:35-39). Step 6: Stay Connected to the Body of Christ • Hebrews 10:24-25: meet together, “encourage one another.” • Isolation magnifies fear; fellowship diffuses it. • Practical ideas: share testimonies of God’s faithfulness, memorize Scripture together, meet needs when opposition strikes. Step 7: Respond with Bold, Gracious Witness • 1 Peter 3:14-15: even if you suffer, “do not fear their threats… always be ready to give a defense… with gentleness and respect.” • Acts 5:40-42: beaten apostles “never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news.” • Bless persecutors (Romans 12:14). Bold truth tastes sweeter when served with Christlike kindness. Step 8: Keep Eternity in View • Revelation 2:10: “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” • Persecution is temporary; resurrection is permanent. • John 11 ends with a preview—Lazarus walks out alive. That same resurrection power guarantees your future, whatever today’s cost. Follow these steps and, like Thomas in John 11:16, you’ll be able to say, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him”—not from morbid resignation, but from settled confidence that life with Jesus is worth any price. |
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