Don’t Be Scared—Jesus Is Here! – June 13, 2025
Read: John 14:23-27
[Jesus replied], “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:25-27
Don’t Be Scared—Jesus Is Here!
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.
If Jesus were sitting at the table with you right now and he told you, “Don’t be scared,” do you think you would still feel nervous? I don’t think you would be. I think you would see how much Jesus loves you and remember how powerful he is, how he forgives you, and all the promises he’s made to take care of you. You’d say, “You are my Savior, and I know you love me. I don’t have to be scared of anything.”
But there are lots of scary things in our world and in our lives that make us feel afraid. And because we can’t see Jesus with our eyes, we might forget he’s with us and feel like we’re all alone.
Jesus spoke the words in our Bible reading on the night he was going to be betrayed by a friend and arrested. The very next day, he would be put on trial and nailed to a cross. His disciples would see him taken away and would feel very scared. Later, after Jesus rose from the dead, they saw him go up into heaven. And again, when they couldn’t see Jesus anymore, they were tempted to feel afraid.
But Jesus told them—and us—“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” Even though they wouldn’t see him with their eyes anymore, Jesus promised he would still be with them. He said he would send the Holy Spirit, who would be with them always. The Holy Spirit works through the Bible, teaching us about Jesus, reminding us of all God’s promises, and helping our faith stay strong—even when we’re scared.
Because Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts, we can say with confidence, “I trust you, Jesus. I’m not afraid.”
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for your promise to send the Holy Spirit to help us when we’re scared. Thank you for teaching us your Word and filling us with your love. Help us share your promises with others when they feel worried or afraid. 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
- What do you think Jesus would say if you were afraid? How does knowing he loves you help you feel safe?
- If we can’t see Jesus with our eyes, how can we still know he’s with us?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Who helps us remember that Jesus loves us and keeps his promises? Have you ever felt comforted by something you heard in church or the Bible? (That’s the Holy Spirit at work!)
- Why do you think Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid”? How does remembering Jesus’ love help chase those fears away?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Can you think of a Bible promise that helps you feel brave?
- What makes people feel afraid sometimes? In what ways can we ask the Holy Spirit to help us trust God and feel strong inside? (Hint: The Holy Spirit works through Word and sacraments.)
