Dr. Esau McCaulley, a New Testament scholar and associate professor at Wheaton College, joins to discuss the fascinating dynamics of fear in relation to Jesus. He explores who felt fear and who found safety in Christ, demonstrating the complex emotional landscape of His disciples. The conversation highlights transformative moments in the gospels, emphasizing how encounters with Jesus evoke both awe and discomfort. McCaulley also unpacks the daunting yet hopeful implications of the resurrection, urging listeners to embrace the tension between fear and faith.
Different groups reacted to Jesus with either fear or comfort based on their intentions and spiritual states, illustrating his compassionate nature.
The resurrection of Jesus instilled both excitement and fear in the disciples, as it challenged their understanding of life and death.
Deep dives
Understanding Fear in Relation to Jesus
Jesus was perceived differently by various groups according to their intentions and spiritual states, with those who meant harm feeling fear in his presence. Specifically, evil spirits reacted with terror upon encountering him, illustrating that the true fear surrounding Jesus stemmed from malevolent beings. In contrast, individuals who were marginalized or in distress, such as the poor or those seeking help, found comfort and acceptance in Jesus, showcasing his welcoming nature. This dichotomy suggests that those needing healing and love felt drawn to him, while those with harmful intentions experienced fear, highlighting the compassionate character of Jesus versus the apprehension of the adversaries.
Disciples' Encounters with Jesus
While some instances suggest that the disciples experienced moments of fear, they did not live in constant trepidation around Jesus. For example, during the calling of Simon Peter, his initial reaction was one of unworthiness in the presence of Jesus's greatness, paralleling a Biblical reference to Isaiah's vision of God's glory. However, this initial fear transformed into an understanding of acceptance and connection, as Jesus emphasized his desire for Peter to be part of his family and mission. Thus, while the disciples recognized Jesus's uniqueness, their overall journey with him centered on love and acceptance rather than fear.
The Transformative Nature of Jesus's Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus introduced a profound change in reality that both excited and frightened the disciples, as it challenged their understanding of life and death. The sheer idea of resurrection disrupted their previously held beliefs, causing a natural fear toward the unknown. Encountering the divine presence, such as angels or resurrected Jesus, typically evoked fear and reverence due to the overwhelming nature of experiencing God's glory. Nevertheless, this initial fear eventually gives way to a powerful understanding of God’s love and the responsibilities that come with this new reality, inviting believers to hope without the shackles of fear.
Our very own New Testament scholar Dr. Esau McCaulley joins Kaitlyn to talk about fear: who feared Jesus, who felt safe with Jesus, and how scary the resurrection might actually be. Dr. McCaulley shows us how Jesus' disciples responded to him in different stories in the gospels, eventually pointing us towards the (somewhat terrifying!) hope that Jesus' resurrection gives us.
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