Jesus Says "Have No Fear"

What is something you are afraid of? Maybe you’re scared of heights, the dark, or thunderstorms, or maybe your biggest fear is something not on this list. 
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None of us like being afraid, but fear is an unavoidable part of life. All of us, no matter how big or small, are afraid of something at some point. It’s perfectly normal to be afraid! And, fear can even be useful. Sometimes, it helps keep us safe. But when our fears get too big, they can become a problem. No one wants to go through life being scared all the time. It is not a healthy or happy way to live!
In today’s Bible story, Jesus talks to his disciples about fear. But what does he say? And what does it mean for us today? Let’s take a closer look.

Hear
Today's story comes from Matthew 10:24–39. Find the story in the family Bible or a children’s storybook Bible and read it together.

You can also click here to read the story using an online Bible, or you can watch the video retelling below.

Think
When you’ve finished reading or listening to the story, talk about these questions with your family:
  • Why do you think Jesus warned the disciples that people would be unkind to them?
  • ​Why did Jesus tell the disciples to have no fear of unkind people?
  • What was Jesus saying when he talked about birds and hair? Do you think it made the disciples feel better? Why or why not?
  • How might Jesus’ message to the disciples help you when you feel scared?​
Then, watch the following short video:

Do
Connect more deeply with today's story by trying one or more of these activities.
Picture
Go bird watching.
Take a walk outside with your family. Count how many birds you see in 10 or 15 minutes. If you'd like, bring along paper and crayons and draw some of the birds you find. See if you can figure out what type of birds they are!

As you count, draw, and identify birds, remember that God knows and cares for each and every bird you see. That's a lot of care! But still, God loves and cares for you even more than an entire flock of birds. What an amazing gift!
Picture
Face your fears together.
Gather several slips of paper. Have each member of your family write or draw something they are afraid of on each slip of paper. Collect the slips, then go through them as a family. Talk about specific ways you can help each member of your family face the things they are afraid of. Remind one another that God helps keep us safe, and talk about ways you might ask God for help in dealing with these fears. Finish up by thanking God for protecting us and knowing us so well.
Picture
"Reflect" on the story.
Glue a square of aluminum foil on a sheet of card stock or construction paper. Be sure the shiny side of the foil is facing out. All around the edges of your homemade "mirror," write or draw reminders that God knows you, loves you, and is keeping you safe. Take a look in your personalized mirror whenever you are scared or need a reminder of how special you are.
Share what you've made! Take a picture of your project and send it to [email protected] so we can include it in our online gallery!

Pray
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us so much that you know how many hairs are on our head!
Help us remember that you are always with us, protecting us and keeping us safe from the things that scare us.
Amen
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
17195 CLEVELAND ROAD  +  SOUTH BEND, IN 46635  +  (574) 272-4306