What did Jesus mean by "Be of good cheer"? Meaning and Usage in Scripture The phrase often rendered “Be of good cheer” in some translations appears in the Berean Standard Bible as “Take courage” or “Take heart.” Across the Gospels and Acts, the underlying Greek term (θαρσεῖτε, tharseite) conveys the idea of renewed confidence, reassurance, or boldness in the face of discouragement or fear. Notably, Jesus Himself uses this phrase when providing comfort and divine assurance: • Matthew 9:2: “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.’” • Matthew 9:22: “Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take courage, daughter,’ He said, ‘your faith has healed you.’” • Mark 6:50: “…But Jesus spoke up at once: ‘Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.’” • John 16:33: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” • Acts 23:11: “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.’” In each instance, the expression “Take courage” or “Take heart” serves as an exhortation meant to replace fear with faith, anxiety with trust, and despair with hope. Immediate Contexts of Encouragement 1. Forgiveness and Healing (Matthew 9:2, 22) When Jesus healed the paralytic and the woman suffering from bleeding, His call to “Take courage” pointed directly to the healing power of God and the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 9:2, 22). Here, “Be of good cheer” or “Take courage” is linked to God’s authority and mercy, showing both physical and spiritual restoration. 2. Reassurance in Crisis (Mark 6:50) Amidst a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus told His terrified disciples, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50). The phrase underscores that God’s presence dispels fear. Even in literal storms, Christ’s command to be of good cheer rests on recognizing His sovereignty. 3. Triumph Over the World (John 16:33) Before His crucifixion, Jesus comforted His disciples with the promise of ultimate victory: “But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). This statement connects “good cheer” to the certainty that Christ’s redemptive work—fulfilled through His death and resurrection—has defeated sin and death. Believers can, therefore, stand firm because Christ’s victory assures them that no earthly trouble is final. 4. Commission to Persevere (Acts 23:11) To the apostle Paul, facing potential persecution and hardship, the Lord again said, “Take courage!...” (Acts 23:11). Here “good cheer” is rooted in the certainty of God’s guidance and the long-range plan of preaching the gospel, reminding believers that faithful service under God’s direction is never in vain. Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Judea and the broader Greco-Roman world, public anxieties included looming threats from political authorities, diseases, natural disasters, and personal struggles. Calling people to “take courage” was more than a pleasantry; it was a bold assurance of divine involvement. Given a cultural environment where uncertainty abounded, Jesus’ repeated instructions to His followers carried the promise that God was not distant but actively present. Miracles, signs, and unparalleled teaching all supported Jesus’ authority to command courage. Further, the written records—copied accurately across centuries, as corroborated by extensive manuscript evidence—preserve these comforting assurances in a manner that has spoken to every generation since. Theological Significance 1. God’s Sovereignty and Compassion Telling someone to “be of good cheer” assumes the speaker has reliable grounds for giving such comfort. Jesus, recognized as the Son of God (John 10:30) and having authority over nature and sin, demonstrated divine compassion alongside divine power. The eternal existence of God underpins the reassurance that His promises hold firm forever. 2. Redemptive Work of Christ Jesus’ victory over the world (John 16:33) is ultimately anchored in His crucifixion and resurrection—a historical event attested by eyewitnesses, early creeds, and archaeological correlatives that indicate the grave was indeed found empty. Since Christ overcame death, believers have solid grounds to remain hopeful and joyful, no matter the circumstances. 3. Faith Over Fear Every instance of “Take courage” points to a decisive shift from fear to faith. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to reflect the courage and victory of Christ (2 Timothy 1:7). This transformation from doubt to trust is part of the sanctifying work God continues in those who belong to Him. Practical Applications 1. Personal Encouragement and Prayer Recognizing the scriptural call to “be of good cheer” fosters a regular practice of placing personal fears before God in prayer. It is a reminder that faith in Him supersedes any anxiety. 2. Community Support Jesus’ usage of “Take courage” often happened in communal settings—healing before onlookers, calming disciples on a boat, or encouraging the early church. Believers are, likewise, urged to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), sharing burdens and reminding each other of Christ’s promises. 3. Hope in Trials Trials are part of life (John 16:33). Yet the instruction to be of good cheer finds its completion in the trust that God uses even difficult circumstances for His glory and our growth in faith (James 1:2–3). Conclusion When Jesus says, “Be of good cheer” or “Take courage,” it is far more than a gentle word of comfort. It is an invitation to draw on divine strength and place unwavering trust in Him. This command reaches across time, grounded in the eternal God who created the universe, the redemptive work of the risen Christ, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Through forgiveness, healing, protection, and ultimate victory over sin and death, Scripture firmly attests that believers can indeed “be of good cheer,” assured that each step of faith is sustained by God’s power and promises. |
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