What fears might cause us to ask Jesus to "depart" from our lives? Setting the scene “ ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ ” (Luke 5:8). Simon Peter’s cry on the lake gives voice to a universal reflex: when confronted with the blazing presence of Jesus, something inside us sometimes wants Him at arm’s length. Below are common fears that trigger that reaction even today. Fear of holy exposure • Jesus’ nearness reveals who we really are. Peter suddenly sees the gulf between Jesus’ purity and his own sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5; Hebrews 4:13). • The thought of every hidden motive laid bare can feel unbearable, so self-protection says, “Please leave.” Fear of unworthiness • Shame whispers, “You’re beyond grace.” • Instead of running toward the One who cleanses, we retreat, believing our stains disqualify us (Psalm 51:1–3; 1 John 1:9). Fear of loss of control • Jesus’ lordship upends personal agendas. Yielding boats, nets, careers—or modern equivalents—means surrendering the driver’s seat (Matthew 16:24–25). • We instinctively cling to the familiar, even if it’s empty nets. Fear of costly change • The townspeople in Mark 5:17 saw an economy of pigs drowned and concluded, “Too expensive.” • When following Christ threatens comfort, reputation, or income, we may echo their plea for Him to depart. Fear of relational fallout • Aligning with Jesus can strain friendships or family ties (Luke 12:51–53). • To avoid conflict, we may quietly ask Him to step back to the margins of life. Fear of spiritual warfare • The deliverance of the demoniac in Mark 5 exposed unseen powers. That kind of confrontation feels dangerous. • Some back away, fearing what obedience might stir up. Fear of overwhelming mission • Peter sensed that a catch of fish was a prelude to a catch of men (Luke 5:10). • The magnitude of God’s call can intimidate—better, we think, to keep expectations small. Fear of disappointment • After nights of futile labor, Peter had settled into low expectations. A sudden miracle raises the bar. • Hope makes the heart vulnerable; cynicism feels safer, so we decline the invitation to deeper faith (Proverbs 13:12). Living beyond the fears • Jesus does not grant Peter’s request; instead He draws closer: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men” (Luke 5:10). • Every fear listed above melts under that assurance. His holiness is paired with mercy, His call with enabling power (Philippians 2:13). • The cure for asking Him to depart is not self-confidence but confidence in Him. As we step toward Jesus rather than away, nets overflow, lives change, and fears lose their grip. |
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