From Fear to Passion

The narrative recounts events on the same day as the resurrection; now it is the evening and the room is filled with emotions (19). The disciples had the door locked in fear of the religious authorities. Jesus cannot have helped much in dissipating their fears when he appeared in the middle of the room, but the disciples’ emotions soon changed from fear to joy (20). The same circumstances that produced fear may produce joy and passion, like children changing from tears to laughter.

Fear tends to distort our understanding of our circumstances. Fear is a strong, uncontrollable emotion. By showing his hands, Jesus recognized their fear and moved them to a greater scenario. They had seen him being crucified, it is true, and the authorities were looking for them, but the point of reference has shifted from the authorities to the resurrected Lord (20). The human situation was the same, but the disciples gained a different perspective. The presence of the supernatural led to the change from being fearful to being overjoyed, a change in the emotional state. We need to process the emotions that circumstances and events produce in the light of Jesus’ presence.

Jesus Christ again brings peace to the disciples (21), which has relevance to both their past and their present fears. Jesus transforms their fear into passion by giving them a mission: to witness to the world concerning what they have seen and experienced. Their witness can only be given under the authority of God. The human dimension brings fear, but the Spirit delivers from fear so that the disciples can witness. Fear is overcome by a passion to testify about Jesus Christ.

Is your fear of what people will say about your Christianity greater than your passion for what God is doing in the world? Evaluate yourself.