How do people find hope in the face of suffering and death? That is the question addressed by today’s scriptures. We hear of the suffering of Jeremiah and the psalmist. We hear of the death that “reigned from Adam to Moses” (Romans 5:14). We hear of the fears of the Twelve as Jesus sends them out into the world to preach and heal.

Through all this tribulation one message rings out loud and clear—“Do not be afraid!” The God who saved Jeremiah and the psalmist and Jesus is fully present to save us through the gracious gift of Jesus Christ. We have nothing and no one to fear.