Fear of the Unknown

07.27.18 | Pulpit Posts

Have you ever been at an event and seen someone and you just know that you know them, but you can’t place them? Then you realize they’ve been in church with you, but you just don’t know them, because they come so infrequently.

So, the question is why didn’t you recognize them? It is because they’re not where you’re used to seeing them.

In This Sunday’s Gospel, the disciples weren’t looking for Jesus. As far as they knew, He was still back on the shore. They’re not expecting Him to show up at this moment.

Some might say that the disciples were at fault because they had left Jesus behind.

It wasn’t their fault that Jesus wasn’t with them as He had made them get into their boat. He probably said something like, “you guys go on home and I’ll catch up with you later.” The fact is Jesus wanted some time alone to pray.

But I think there’s more to it than that. I think Jesus knew all about the storm the Disciples were about to encounter. I think He knew the wind and waves will be against them. He knew how they’ll have to struggle with the oars. He knew how they would react when He showed up walking on the water. Jesus wanted to teach them a lesson on fear.

Yes, the disciples had been out on the sea rowing hard for hours. Yes, the water was rough, the winds harsh and it was 3 o’clock in the morning. But that doesn’t seem to bother them. These are things they know. Things they’re familiar with. They’re not afraid of the sea.

So, what is it that they are afraid of?

They were afraid of the unknown. They didn’t think they were seeing Jesus on the sea. They thought they were seeing a ghost. Fear is a response to the unknown. People are afraid of all kinds of things: Financial difficulties, unemployment, sickness, death, etc.

Almost without exception the one thing people get most afraid of is something that hasn’t happened yet. When we look at what is happening today, on our southern borders, the makeup of the Supreme Court, our leadership in Washington, International differences, there is concern, there is fear. That fear of the unknown robs us of our life and joy.

Maxx Lucado (Christian Author) tells us “Fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors.”

Fear of the unknown traps us in despair and that’s the situation Jesus placed His disciples in. He wanted them to face that fear in their own lives. He then gives them the cure for that fear. It wasn’t another miracle or sign from heaven. He simply said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid. Those simple words removed their fear.

Here Jesus is saying: “It’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Or another way of saying it… “I’m here now. It’s OK. I’ve got it under control.”

That’s our promise as well. God has promised us “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So, with all that is going on in this country today, whereby our leadership has brought about a decrease in the morals of this country, a lack of compassion for our neighbors, actions that have been taken in favor of a select few, voices that have been ignored by those elected to office, we have too remember the Jesus we believe in. The Jesus who can heal the sick, raise the dead, feed 1000s with a little bit of nothing. The Jesus who can walk on water. But more than that, He’s the Jesus who not only has such great power but has such great love for us that we need to fear NOTHING.

May the waters of Baptism ever more deeply be flowing within us. May we reach out helping others and be like Jesus in showing compassion. May God give us the grace to keep our minds on those things that matter. Live in a way in which it is obvious that we are Christians and let those values, the values of Christianity dwell deep in us. God calls us to be our best selves.

It’s little wonder, that after Jesus stepped into the boat with His disciples, those in the boat worshipped him saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Rev. Robert Jacobs

Rev. Robert Jacobs

THE LATEST

Stay current on activity at the Soup Kitchen, guest stories, thoughts from Clergy, news and events.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, events, volunteer opportunities, and more — right to your inbox.

Church of the Holy Apostles

We are an open, inclusive Christian Church celebrating in the Episcopal tradition.

Sunday Service is held 11AM (on site and via livestream). Weekday services are held on Zoom.

LEARN MORE

For Newcomers

Learn about our faith community and explore ways to connect with our work and worship.

Sermons

Reflections on Holy Scripture from our Clergy.

History

Founded in 1844, with a focus on social activism and the desire for social justice.

Clergy, Staff & Vestry

The Vestry is the governing body of the Church of the Holy Apostles.

MUSIC

Music commands a strong presence at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Space Rental

Host your next meeting or event in our landmark building.

Soup Kitchen & Pantry

Nourishing hungry New Yorkers since 1982 in an atmosphere of respect and hospitality.

LEARN MORE
Daily meal service

Serving a free, nutritious meal every weekday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Meal outreach

Distributing bagged breakfasts and lunches throughout Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

About the soup kitchen

Learn more about our mission, our history, our performance, who we are, and what we do.

Pantry Program

Providing fresh and nutritious groceries to food-insecure New Yorkers.

Sunday Supper

Bridging generations and building community over a monthly family style meal.

Give Layers of Love this Winter

Help Keep Our Guests Warm this Winter.

Social Support

Meeting basic needs, stabilizing lives, and supporting individuals and families to achieve their goals.

LEARN MORE
SOCIAL SERVICES

Addressing the needs of the whole person through basic needs, counseling, and referrals.

Classes

Offering learning and skill-building opportunities.

Community Partnership

Partnering with others to expand the services offered to our guests.

Get Involved

Holy Apostles is a great place to channel your time, talents and generosity for good.

LEARN MORE
Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Partner

Join our efforts to serve others and provide for people who are vulnerable.

Donate

Your gift provides food, community, and hope to New Yorkers in need.

The Latest

Stay up-to-date on all happenings at Holy Apostles.

VIEW ALL
Food For The Soul

The official blog of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Voices of Our Community

Guest stories, poetry, and more.

EVENTS

See our calendar of events.

Church Pulpit Posts

Read weekly meditations written by our clergy.

Newsroom

Holy Apostles in the news.