Jesus told his disciples, “Do not fear,” many times throughout his ministry—but they didn’t always get it right. From panicking during storms to running when Jesus was arrested, fear was a real part of their journey. Yet Jesus didn’t give up on them. He patiently walked with them, taught them, and after his resurrection, empowered them with the Holy Spirit. That’s when everything changed. The same disciples who once fled in fear became bold preachers, unshaken by persecution or even death.
Their transformation wasn’t because fear disappeared—it was because trust in Jesus replaced it. That’s the real message behind “Do not fear”: not a call to suppress fear, but an invitation to rely on a Savior who’s bigger than it. If fear is something you’re dealing with, their story offers hope. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how the disciples responded to Jesus’ words—and how you can too.
Jesus told his disciples “Do not fear” multiple times throughout his ministry. But if you’ve read the Gospels, you know—they still struggled with fear. A lot. So what gives?
Were the disciples ignoring him? Not exactly. Like most of us, they were a work in progress. They had to learn what trusting Jesus really looked like. In this article, we’re going to walk through how the disciples responded to Jesus’ “Do not fear” commands, what that tells us about their journey, and what it means for you today.
Let’s dig in.
1. Jesus Said “Do Not Fear” Often—and for a Reason
Fear showed up at every major turning point in Jesus’ ministry. He didn’t avoid it. He addressed it head-on.
Here are a few examples:
- Matthew 14:27 — “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (When Jesus walked on water)
- Luke 5:10 — “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” (When Peter was called)
- Matthew 10:28 — “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Before sending them out to preach)
Every time Jesus said it, he was calling his disciples to shift their focus—from circumstances to him. But that shift didn’t happen overnight.
2. Fear Was a Real Struggle for the Disciples
Let’s not pretend the disciples had it all figured out.
Here’s what they dealt with:
- Storms at sea (Mark 4:38) — They panicked and accused Jesus of not caring.
- Demon-possessed men (Mark 5:15) — They were terrified even after the man was healed.
- Persecution (Matthew 10:22) — Jesus warned them ahead of time: fear would be a constant temptation.
- Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion — When the pressure peaked, they scattered (Mark 14:50).
Even after years of hearing “do not fear,” they still ran. That might sound like failure—but it’s actually a picture of growth in process.
3. Peter: From Fearful to Fearless (Eventually)
Peter is probably the best example of what fear looked like before and after trusting Jesus.
Early on:
- In Luke 5:8, after the miraculous catch of fish, Peter said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
- In Matthew 14, when Peter walked on water, he panicked the moment he saw the wind and waves.
- In Luke 22, he denied Jesus three times out of fear.
But Jesus wasn’t done with him.
After the resurrection:
- Peter preached boldly in Acts 2.
- He faced jail and threats without backing down (Acts 4).
- Eventually, he was martyred for his faith.
What changed? Peter finally understood who Jesus was—and trusted that he was worth everything.
4. The Turning Point: Resurrection and the Holy Spirit
The disciples were afraid right up until they saw the risen Jesus.
“Peace be with you.” — John 20:19
That’s what Jesus said when he appeared to them after the resurrection. The doors were locked because they were afraid, but Jesus walked in anyway—literally and spiritually.
That moment flipped a switch.
Then came Pentecost (Acts 2):
- The Holy Spirit filled them.
- Fear was replaced with boldness.
- They began preaching, healing, and standing firm.
Jesus said “Do not fear” dozens of times, but it wasn’t until they had his Spirit living in them that those words finally stuck.
5. Why the Disciples Struggled to Obey “Do Not Fear”
It’s easy to criticize the disciples. But their hesitation shows us something important.
Three reasons they wrestled with fear:
- They misunderstood who Jesus really was.
They followed him, but they didn’t fully grasp his power until the resurrection. - They expected immediate success.
When things went wrong (like the crucifixion), they were shaken. - They were human.
Even with Jesus right in front of them, fear still came naturally. Sound familiar?
Fear isn’t about a lack of love—it’s often about not yet understanding how secure we really are in Christ.
6. Fear Didn’t Disqualify Them—And It Doesn’t Disqualify You
This is the good news.
The disciples’ fear didn’t make Jesus give up on them. He kept teaching, encouraging, and praying for them. In Luke 22:32, Jesus told Peter, “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.”
He knew they’d fall short—and he still chose them.
If you struggle with fear, you’re in good company. But you’re not stuck there. Jesus is patient, and the Spirit he gives is powerful.
7. What We Can Learn from Their Journey
You don’t need to fake fearlessness. You just need to take Jesus seriously when he says, “Do not fear.”
Here’s what that looks like practically:
- Acknowledge fear, but don’t follow it.
The disciples felt fear, but they didn’t let it have the last word—especially after Pentecost. - Trust that Jesus is with you.
Every time he said “Do not fear,” it was paired with his presence. (“It is I”, “I am with you always”, etc.) - Let the Holy Spirit fill you.
Courage isn’t something you conjure up—it’s something the Spirit builds in you (2 Timothy 1:7). - Keep moving forward.
Peter denied Jesus and still became a leader. Failure didn’t define him—and it doesn’t define you.
Final Thoughts
The disciples heard “Do not fear” more times than they probably cared to count—and they still struggled. But eventually, those words took root. They became fearless not because they were naturally brave, but because they were anchored in truth.
If Jesus kept saying it, it’s because he knew they (and we) would need to hear it. And when you start trusting him fully—his power, his presence, and his promises—that fear starts to fade.
FAQs: Exploring the Disciples’ Reactions to Jesus’ “Do Not Fear” Statements
1. Why did Jesus frequently tell his disciples “Do not fear”?
Jesus said it because he knew fear was a natural response to danger and uncertainty. He wanted his disciples to shift their focus from fear to faith in him.
2. Did the disciples obey Jesus’ “Do not fear” commands immediately?
No, they struggled with fear often—during storms, persecution, and even after Jesus’ death. Their understanding and trust developed over time.
3. Which Bible verses show Jesus telling the disciples not to fear?
Some key verses include Matthew 14:27, Luke 5:10, and John 14:27. Each time, Jesus combined this command with reassurance of his presence or power.
4. What does Peter’s journey tell us about fear?
Peter started off fearful—he denied Jesus out of fear—but later became bold, preaching openly and facing death with courage. His story shows transformation is possible.
5. How did the resurrection impact the disciples’ fear?
Seeing the risen Jesus changed everything. It confirmed his power over death and gave them unshakable confidence in his promises.
6. What role did the Holy Spirit play in overcoming their fear?
The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples with courage, wisdom, and boldness. After Pentecost, fear no longer held them back.
7. Why is it significant that the disciples still struggled with fear?
It shows that fear is part of the human experience—even for those close to Jesus. It also shows that growth in faith takes time.
8. How does Jesus’ command apply to us today?
Just like the disciples, we face fears—of failure, rejection, the unknown. Jesus’ words still offer peace and courage when we trust in him.
9. Is feeling fear a sign of weak faith?
Not necessarily. The key is what you do with that fear—whether you let it control you or bring it to Jesus. Faith doesn’t mean no fear; it means trusting God despite it.
10. How can I grow in trusting Jesus like the disciples eventually did?
Spend time in Scripture, pray honestly, stay in community, and ask the Holy Spirit for help. Growth takes time, but you’re not alone in it.
