Do Not Be Afraid (Luke 5:10b)

 


Thursday, February 13, 2025


Psalms 101; 102:1-11

Genesis 25:5-11, 19-34

Luke 5:1-11


Do Not Be Afraid (Luke 5:10b)


St Luke, the author of today’s second lesson, has been accorded the title “The Physician”. It is easy to see how he gained it, considering how his gospel is chock-full of healing miracles. In fact it was just yesterday that we read about Jesus healing not only Simon’s mother-in-law, but all those who were sick with various diseases. If you are involved with prayer ministry in your local congregation, it is not a bad idea to begin your prayers for healing by addressing Jesus as “Our Great Physician”.


Jesus is not only the one who cures physical ailments, but spiritual as well. On top of this, his bedside manner is an instructive lesson, not only on how we ought to speak of heavenly things to one another, but how Jesus speaks to us.


Simon has already seen his mother-in-law healed, and been close to all the other miraculous healings Jesus has just performed. He is in the area in which the report of Jesus’ amazing teaching has gone out. But his own soul is not yet healed. Jesus creates the circumstances for this when he goes out to see Simon fishing.


The miracle of the great catch of fish is what convinces Simon that Jesus is the Holy One. Standing in the presence of God, Simon falls at Jesus’ knees, convicted by his own sinful nature and bent low by the weight of his own sin. Here is where Jesus shows himself to be the perfect physician of human souls; it is here that Jesus teaches us his bedside manner.


All Jesus wants is for the confession of sin to be made. Once this has happened, Jesus moves on. It is almost lightning-fast how quickly Simon is carried from confession to absolution and the reward of Christ’s blessing. There is no brow-beating; Jesus does not go on to condemn Simon for the sin he has just confessed to. Standing at the bedside of this sick soul asking for healing, Jesus is gentle but firm: “Do not be afraid”. Confess and be healed, sinner: your Saviour is gentle and kind-hearted.


A bruised reed Jesus will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. What sins have you already confessed to Jesus that you are still mulling over? When will you accept his kind forgiveness and move on to the next stage of your adventure with him?


Jesus, our Great Physician: lead me to true repentance, assuring me of your forgiveness. Help me to leave behind the sins I have confessed in the knowledge that you have put them as far away from you as the east is from the west, so that I may join in your great work as the Fisher of souls.

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