Hamilton Through The Eyes of the Gospel: Staying Faithful in Frantic Times

Key Bible Verses

• John 20:19-21
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• Philippians 4:7
• John 14:27
• Romans 14:8
• Isaiah 6:8

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DIGGING DEEPER

The song “Best of Wives, Best of Women” is an interchange in the musical Hamilton between Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Eliza.  

Hamilton and Eliza had been through frantic and traumatic times. They lived in a country that was in the midst of a revolution. Hamilton betrayed Eliza by having an affair. When the affair was made public it not only ruined Hamilton’s political career, but it was disastrous for his marriage and family. Their son, Phillip, was killed in a duel defending his father’s honor. 

In John 20:19-21, the disciples were also living in frantic and traumatic times.  Their Lord and Savior, Jesus, had been crucified. The Jewish leaders had caused them to be fearful and discouraged. Even though Mary Magdalene had seen Jesus and testified to His resurrection, the disciples had not yet seen Jesus. All of a sudden Jesus was right there with the disciples. He told them two times, “Peace be with you!” and showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed that they had seen Jesus.

In this passage, Jesus addressed the fear of the disciples, encouraged them by sharing His peace and showed them the glory of his resurrection as they saw his hands and side. Jesus then refocused their attention back to the mission that He had trained them for. Jesus reminded them, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21) The disciples were the vehicle that God would use to bless a sinful and fractured world with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. They were to be light in a world filled with darkness and sin. Jesus gave the disciples authority, just as the Father had given Him authority, to go out and make disciples of all nations. This was a tremendous responsibility because as the disciples preached the Gospel, the world would accept their message and be saved, or reject it and suffer judgment. Jesus loved the disciples and He was able to remind them to stay faithful in frantic times because He would always be with them. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

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WHAT NOT TO MISS

Fear is the Opposite of Faith (John 20:19a).

• On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. (John 20:19a)
• For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Peace is the Christian Response (John 20:19b).

• Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19b)
• And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
• Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

The Cross Is Our Hope and Motivation (John 20:20).

• After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20)
• If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8)

‍We Go Because Jesus Came to Us (John 20:21).

• Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)
• Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

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Life Application

This week write down two or three of your greatest fears. Examine why they make you fearful. Write down ways God gives peace when you are frantic and fearful. Examine ways that you can demonstrate to yourself and others how your faith gives you strength, hope and the ability to withstand times that are difficult or troubling. Pray about your fears and release them, giving them to God so that you can be a witness to the world of the greatness of our God who gives us peace that passes all understanding.  

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Small Group Discussion Questions

• Where in, or what circumstances do you feel the most peaceful?
• Why is fear the opposite of faith?
• How are Christians to be peacemakers?
• What are the benefits of putting our hope in Christ and in outward circumstances?
• Where is Jesus calling you to go and be sent in His name?

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Daily Devotional Bible Passages

• Day 1- Faithful when Facing Fear-Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 46:1-3
• Day 2-Faithful in our Peaceful Response-Psalm 85:8; Romans 14:19; Jeremiah 29:11
• Day 3-Faithful in our Hope-Psalm 25:5; Psalm 33:22; Hebrews 11:1
• Day 4-Faithful in our Walk- Isaiah 43:1-2; Isaiah 40:31; Micah 6:8
• Day 5-Faithful As We Our Sent-Psalm 16:8; Romans 10:13-15; Matthew 28:19-20

Prayer

God, I am thankful that you sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins and that you are with me helping me to be faithful in frantic times. Give me faith and Your peace, which takes away fear and anxiety. Let me rest in you, knowing that I don’t have to be afraid because You are with me always. As I am faithful in frantic times, let me be able to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others you put in my path. I am thankful for your love for me and your willingness to be my refuge and strength all the days of my life.  

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Additional Resources

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