Fear Not…

Fear Not: The God Who Knows Every Sparrow

In Matthew 10:24–31, Jesus prepares his disciples for the reality of following him. He does not promise them comfort or security. Instead, he tells them to expect opposition, misunderstanding, and suffering. Yet, in the midst of these realistic warnings, he repeats one command three times: “Do not be afraid.”

These words speak powerfully into our world today. We live in a time marked by conflict, war, economic uncertainty, political division, and growing anxiety about the future. Many people carry personal fears about their health, their families, their livelihoods, or simply what tomorrow may bring. Fear has become one of the defining characteristics of our age.

Jesus does not dismiss these fears. He understands the reality of suffering and uncertainty. But he reminds us that fear must never have the final word. The life of a disciple is shaped not by fear, but by trust in the God who remains faithful.

To make this point, Jesus draws our attention to something small and easily overlooked—a sparrow: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.”

If God notices even the smallest bird, how much more does God know and care for each one of us? Jesus goes even further, saying, “Even the hairs of your head are all counted.” This is not simply a statement about God’s knowledge; it is a profound reminder of God’s loving care. Nothing in our lives is insignificant to God, no burden is unnoticed and no tear is unseen.

When we truly believe that our lives are held securely in God’s hands, we are freed from allowing fear to control us. We become free to love generously, to care for our neighbours, to stand for justice, and to live with hope, even in uncertain times.

As Archbishop Michael Curry often reminds us, “the way of Jesus is the way of love.” Love is stronger than fear because it reflects the very heart of God.

Today, may we hear once again the life-giving words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid.” May we place our trust in the God who knows every sparrow, who counts every hair on our heads, and who never forgets a single one of God’s children.

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Loving God, when fear and uncertainty overwhelm us, help us to trust in your unfailing care, knowing that you hold each of us in your loving hands. Grant us the courage to follow Christ with hope, to love without fear, and to reflect your peace in a troubled world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Rev. Rebecca Daniel