Fear Not

GETTING STARTED

One of the core definitions of the word fear in the dictionary is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.” In this section of Scripture, we see the chief priests and scribes operating in fear and in secrecy. They recognize the threat Jesus poses to their understanding of truth and their position of authority, and they think the only solution is to take matters into their own hands.  

  • In what ways have you seen fear and secrecy influence your life and relationships?

READ THE WORD: LUKE 22:1-6 (ESV)

22:1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Read verses 1 and 2. Why were the chief priests and scribes seeking to put Christ to death?
  2. Why did Judas and the chief priests feel the need to work in secrecy?
  3. Judas initially believed Christ to be the promised one who would save the Israelites from Roman rule. As time went along, it became evident that Christ was not taking the path to greatness that Judas had originally expected. When God responds in a way that does not match your desires, how do you respond to him?

RESPOND TO GOD

We are so quick to say that the scribes and chief priests are the “bad guys” of Scripture. And yet, oftentimes we live our lives in fear of giving up control. God wants us to trust that his plan is so much better than anything we could ever imagine. He desires for us to be an open book with him. He wants us to replace our fear with the unexplainable joy that can come only from his Holy Spirit.

  • Take a moment to turn toward God, asking him to shine his light on any areas you have been trying to hide from him.
  • Ask him to take away your fear and to replace it with the peace that only he can provide.