Luke 22:1,2–Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

When we think of the word fear, we usually bring with the word a very negative connotation to it that may “rob” it’s broader meaning.  Think about a good relationship between child and parent.  The term fear, may make you think of terror in the relationship, but fear involves respect (along with terror)!  Such is what we should have towards God.

So there are times where we may not have terror when dealing with people we respect, but be so preoccupied with not displeasing, them that we submit ourselves to this fear of people.  This is where these religious leaders were regarding Jesus, they were too scared to kill Him because they were fearful of displeasing the people who had no real issue with Him.  Fearing those people and what they thought of them, controlled their life, not Jesus!

The irony was that in their unbelief they were not terrified of the Son of God enough to kill Him, but were more terrified of the people!  This is where unbelief leads us, being more afraid of people and displeasing them over “crucifying once again the Son of God ” in actions that would betray our faithfulness to Him (Hebrews 6:6).

Seek the grace and courage in Christ to not allow people to get such a strong hold on the outcome your life, that you fear displeasing them over The Almighty God!

In His Love, Ld