Jesus didn’t just teach about courage—He modeled it and called His followers to live it. Throughout His ministry, He consistently told people, “Take heart” and “Do not be afraid,” always tying those commands to who He is and what God is doing. From calming storms to facing the cross, Jesus showed that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s trusting God in the middle of it. His message was clear: you can face anything when you know God is with you.
Whether you’re dealing with fear, uncertainty, or pressure, Jesus’ words offer real strength and hope. His teachings on courage aren’t just historical—they’re deeply personal and practical for your life right now. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how Jesus equips you to live boldly and faithfully, no matter what you’re facing.
When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, courage can feel hard to come by. The good news? Jesus had a lot to say about it. One of the most common themes in His teachings is courage in the face of fear, trouble, and uncertainty. Whether He was speaking to the crowds, His disciples, or individuals in crisis, Jesus repeatedly offered one clear message: “Take heart. Do not be afraid.”
Let’s take a closer look at what Jesus actually said about courage, why He said it so often, and how you can apply His words today.
1. Courage Was One of Jesus’ Core Messages
Jesus didn’t talk about courage once or twice—it was a repeated command throughout His ministry. He wasn’t just encouraging people to be brave in a general sense. He was giving people the reason why they could face fear and not fall apart: because He is with them and in control.
John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This wasn’t a motivational quote. Jesus was preparing His followers for hardship—but also giving them hope that trouble isn’t the end of the story. He was saying: You will face hard things, but you don’t have to face them afraid.
2. “Take Heart” – What Does It Mean?
Jesus often said “Take heart,” which is another way of saying “Be courageous” or “Be of good cheer.” But this phrase always came with a reason. Jesus never just said “be brave” and left it at that. He always connected courage to who He is or what He was doing.
Here are three key times Jesus used this phrase:
1. To the paralyzed man – Matthew 9:2
“Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
Before healing his body, Jesus gave this man something deeper—the courage that comes from spiritual restoration.
2. To the bleeding woman – Matthew 9:22
“Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.”
Her physical healing came, but Jesus highlighted her faith as the source of strength. He was saying: You had the courage to come to Me. That faith made you whole.
3. To the disciples in the storm – Matthew 14:27
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
In the middle of chaos, Jesus reminded them that His presence was all the courage they needed.
3. Why Did Jesus Emphasize Courage So Much?
Jesus knew what His followers would face—not just in their lifetime, but for generations to come. Here’s why courage was so central to His message:
A. He Knew Life Would Be Hard
Jesus never sugarcoated things.
“In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33)
He didn’t promise comfort—He promised His peace and power in the middle of chaos.
B. Fear Weakens Faith
Fear isn’t just an emotion. It’s a barrier to trusting God. That’s why Jesus often followed up His commands with:
“Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” – Mark 4:40
Jesus always connected faith and courage. The more you trust God, the less fear controls you.
C. Courage Is Contagious
Jesus was raising up leaders. When His disciples acted with courage, it spread. Look at Peter in Acts or Paul in his letters. Their courage came from what Jesus taught and demonstrated.
4. How Jesus Modeled Courage
Jesus didn’t just talk about courage—He lived it out perfectly.
Here are three moments that show His fearless trust in the Father:
1. In the wilderness
After fasting for 40 days, Jesus faced temptation from Satan himself. But He stood firm by relying on Scripture and God’s authority (Matthew 4:1–11).
2. In public ministry
Jesus constantly challenged religious leaders, healed on the Sabbath, and associated with the marginalized. He didn’t fear criticism or social pressure.
3. In Gethsemane and the cross
Even knowing what was coming—betrayal, torture, death—Jesus still prayed:
“Not my will, but Yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
He faced the cross with courage rooted in His unshakable relationship with the Father.
5. How You Can Live with Courage Like Jesus
So what does this mean for you today? If you’re struggling with anxiety, fear, or uncertainty, Jesus’ words are for you too.
Here’s how to apply His message of courage in everyday life:
1. Remember His Presence
Jesus said:
“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
You’re never alone. His presence gives courage in the moment.
2. Speak Scripture over fear
Use God’s Word to fight fear, like Jesus did in the wilderness. Some powerful verses:
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…”
- Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”
3. Pray honestly
Tell God what you’re afraid of. Jesus did. Courage isn’t about pretending you’re fine—it’s about bringing your fear to God and trusting Him with it.
4. Take small steps
Courage isn’t always bold. Sometimes, it’s doing the next right thing when you’re nervous or uncertain. One step of obedience can strengthen your faith and inspire others.
6. Jesus’ Final Words: Fear Not
Even after His resurrection, Jesus repeated this theme. To the women at the tomb:
“Do not be afraid.” – Matthew 28:10
To the disciples in a locked room:
“Peace be with you.” – John 20:19
Even after conquering death, Jesus kept offering peace and courage. Why? Because He knew we’d still need it.
7. Key Takeaways: Jesus’ Courage in a Fearful World
Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve covered:
- Jesus repeatedly told people: “Take heart,” “Do not be afraid,” and “Have courage.”
- He always connected courage to faith in Him and trust in God’s presence.
- He modeled courage in the face of temptation, rejection, suffering, and death.
- He promised that His followers could live with courage too—because He is always with us.
Final Thought: Courage Isn’t the Absence of Fear—it’s Trust in Jesus
If you’re facing something hard right now, take a moment to remember Jesus’ words: “Take heart. I have overcome the world.”
He never told us life would be easy. But He promised He’d walk through it with us—and that’s where courage comes from. Not from self-confidence, but from confidence in Him.
So whatever you’re walking through today, take heart. Jesus sees you, He’s with you, and He’s already overcome.
Keep reading Scripture, stay close to Him in prayer, and take courage—one step at a time.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did Jesus mean by “Take heart”?
“Take heart” is another way of saying “Be courageous” or “Be of good cheer.” It’s a call to face fear with faith and trust in God’s presence and power.
2. Why did Jesus talk about courage so much?
Jesus understood the challenges and fears His followers would face. He spoke about courage to remind them that they could stand firm in difficult times because God is with them and in control.
3. How can I be courageous like Jesus?
You can be courageous by trusting in God’s presence, relying on His promises, and taking action even when fear is present. Jesus modeled this by trusting the Father, even in moments of great uncertainty.
4. How did Jesus show courage during His life?
Jesus showed courage in moments like facing temptation in the wilderness, challenging religious leaders, and enduring the cross. His courage always came from His deep trust in God’s plan.
5. What is the connection between courage and faith?
Courage comes from faith. When you trust that God is in control and that He is with you, fear loses its power. Courage is not the absence of fear, but choosing to trust God despite it.
6. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Do not be afraid”?
This command was not just about feeling fear but about choosing to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He has the power to overcome any obstacle or difficulty.
7. What role does prayer play in living with courage?
Prayer connects you with God, helping you to bring your fears to Him and receive His peace and strength. It’s a way to affirm your trust in God’s ability to handle your fears.
8. How do I build courage in my everyday life?
Building courage involves reading Scripture, remembering God’s promises, taking small steps of faith, and leaning on prayer for strength when fear arises.
9. Why did Jesus tell His disciples to “take heart” in the middle of storms?
Jesus reminded His disciples that courage comes from His presence. Even in the storm, they could be calm because He was with them, showing that faith in His power can overcome any external circumstances.
10. Can Jesus’ message of courage apply to my life today?
Yes! Jesus’ call to courage is timeless. No matter what you’re facing, His promise of peace, His presence, and His victory over fear can strengthen and equip you to face any challenge with boldness.
