Don’t Be Afraid to Share God’s Word – Family Devotion – July 6, 2020

Read: Matthew 10:24-33

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:28-30

Don’t Be Afraid to Share God’s Word

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Leave me alone!” The loud voice came from somewhere inside the house, but Megan couldn’t see anyone. After a few awkward moments, Megan finally saw a man’s eyes peeking through the window blinds. Then she heard the voice again. “Go away and never come back!” the man screamed through the window.

Megan walked away a bit shaken and shocked. She had decided to go out with some of her school friends to help pass out fliers for her church. It seemed like a nice way to enjoy the outdoors and share information about Jesus. This is what he wants us to do anyways, isn’t it? Megan didn’t think everyone would be interested, but she certainly didn’t expect to be screamed at and chased away from a house! She wondered if she should stop and go back home.

Jesus’ disciples were also afraid. Jesus was sending them out to get some practice sharing the good news of God’s love and forgiveness. But what if people wouldn’t listen to them? What if some people got angry and shouted at them? Jesus knew what his disciples were thinking, and he knew that it wouldn’t be easy for them. After all, if some people reject Jesus, they will probably reject Jesus’ disciples, too.

But listen to the precious words that Jesus spoke to his disciples then and to us now. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said. Some may be angry or upset when we share God’s Word with them. They might even want to hurt our bodies. But no person can ever hurt or harm our soul. That is under God’s watchful care and protection.

Think about it this way: Jesus said that our heavenly Father knows and cares about what happens even to the smallest sparrow or bird. So wouldn’t God also care for you? Aren’t you more valuable than a sparrow?

The answer is most definitely, YES! You are so valuable because Jesus himself gave his life to pay for your sins and give you eternal life in heaven. You are precious to God! But you know what? Jesus died for everyone, and others need to know that too. So be confident in God’s love and care for you, and do not be afraid to share that love with others! God will help you every step of the way!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so glad to know that you watch over me and love me so much. Now watch over me and give me courage as I share your love with others. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Why were the disciples afraid to go out and share God’s Word with others?
• How do we know that we are loved so much and valuable to our heavenly Father?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What might make sharing God’s Word with others scary at times?
• Why is it so important for us to be bold and courageous in sharing God’s Word with all people?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Have you been in a situation when you felt uncomfortable letting your light shine with your words or actions? What happened? How did you feel? What could you have done differently?
• Identify at least five different opportunities, times, or places that you might be able to share God’s Word now or as you grow older.

Hymn: CW 542:1 – Dear Lord, to Your True Servants Give

Dear Lord, to your true servants give
The grace to you alone to live.
Set free from sin to serve you, Lord,
They go to share your living Word,
The gospel message to proclaim
That all may know your saving name.