Why Are You So Fearful?

A dying man was fearful, even though he was a born-again Christian. He expressed his feelings to his Christian doctor. The physician was silent, not knowing what to say. Just then a whining and scratching was heard at the door. When the doctor opened it, in bounded his big beautiful dog, who often went with him as he made house calls. The dog was glad to see his master. Sensing an opportunity to comfort his troubled patient, the doctor said, “My dog has never been in your room before, so he didn’t know what it was like in here. But he knew I was in here, and that was enough. In the same way, I’m looking forward to heaven. I don’t know much about it, but I know my Savior is there. And that’s all I need to know!”297

Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 94.

The lesson in this story is the same lesson that we see in our passage this evening. If you are in the presence of Jesus, you do not need to be afraid.

Matthew 8:23–27 KJV

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

matt

Jesus asked a rhetorical question in order to teach His precious disciples a very powerful lesson. Since Jesus was in the boat, since you know He is very God, since you are familiar with volumes of scripture that says with God I need not be afraid… why are you fearful?

Why Are You Fearful?

Matthew 8:26 KJV

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

The word is only used three times in the NT and at its root means fearful cowardly or timid. Two times it is used in this parable, but the other is sobering...

Matthew 8:26 KJV

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:40 KJV

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Revelation 21:8 KJV

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Lack of Faith is what causes fear.

King James Version Chapter 21

But the fearful, and unbelieving,

King James Version Chapter 8

Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?

Meditating On Bible Truth Produces Faith which will in turn reduce fear.

Romans 10:17 KJV

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

We Need Not Fear War

Psalm 27:3 KJV

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Isaiah 41:12–13 KJV

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: They that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, Saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Isaiah 41:13 KJV

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, Saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

We need not fear catastrophe.

Psalm 46:1–3 KJV

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

We need not fear trouble.

Psalm 138:7 KJV

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, And thy right hand shall save me.

We need not fear because Jesus is near.

Psalm 118:6 KJV

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?

Psalm 23:4 KJV

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalm 46:11 KJV

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Matthew 28:20 KJV

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

matt

Acts 18:9–10 KJV

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

The clouds have gathered, the storm is raging. COVID-19 is producing devastation everywhere. The outcome is uncertain… but Jesus is in the boat. He loves you and has promised to care for you. Meditate on what you know from scripture, grow your faith and your fear will shrink.