Demands of Jesus - Do Not Be Anxious About the Threats of Man - 1

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus

In the last session, we completed why Jesus demands us not to be anxious about our daily necessities, but even is we gain a measure of victory over the fear that all our needs will not be met, there remains another gut-wrenching fear that we all face. The fear of speaking the truth when it might cost us our lives. Jesus deals with this fear in Matthew 10:24-31. It is especially relevant in our day as the likelihood increases that tolerance will hold sway for everyone, except the person who claims that everyone must give absolute allegiance to Jesus.

The aim of Jesus in Matthew 10:24-31 is to give us the courage to speak His truth with clarity and openness no matter what the cost. Throughout the command, Jesus makes three repetitions of the command do not fear.

Verse 26: "So have no fear of them."

Verse 28: "Do not fear those who kill the body."

Verse 31: "Fear not therefore; you are of much more value than many sparrows." 

Jesus' aim is clear: Be fearlessly courageous. But courageous to do what? Let's concentrate on what Jesus demands us to courageously do.

WHAT YOU HEAR WHISPERED, PROCLAIM UPON HOUSETOPS

Jesus has something very specific in mind that is threatened by fear and advanced by courage. he says in Matthew 10:27-28, "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon housetops. And do not fear..." We all can relate to this fear. We face it constantly in our daily lives. We are afraid to speak about Jesus to this world, fearing what others will think about us. We fear we might lose our comfortable positions in this world when we proclaim the Word of God. This is the fear that Jesus focuses in this passage: the fear of speaking clearly (in the light) and openly (on the housetops) when that speaking might get you into trouble.

So here's the demand: "Don't be afraid to speak clearly and openly what I have taught you, even if it costs you your life.

Rest of Jesus' words are motivation - five reasons why we should have courage in the cause of truth, which I would be glad to share with you in the upcoming days. May the grace of God, The Father, the love of Jesus Christ, His Son and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Please do uphold this sinful brother in your prayers.

Jobin George

The above extract has been take from the book "What does Jesus demand from the world" by John Piper.