It is then a special way of Jesus seeking to encourage those facing struggles — kind of like, “do not be afraid” found throughout the Scriptures.
The Greek term is ‘tharse’ and means “to be heartened, to have courage”. It is found in the Greek OT from leaders like Moses and prophets encouraging the people of Israel as they face challenges. Greek writers used it often of being courageous to face death. The idea is found twice when Paul is going to face Nero in Rome — and boy oh boy, you would need courage to face that megalomaniac.
The idea to “take heart” comes up first on the lips of Jesus in Matthew 9:2 where Jesus affectionately says to the bed-ridden paralytic brought to him by his friends “take heart child”.
It is then repeated later in the same chapter as Jesus addresses the haemorrhaging woman who reached out to touch his robe for healing. Jesus speaks to her with the beautiful words “take heart daughter”. This is Jesus at his best, showing great gentleness and concern for a woman who had suffered for 12 years not only with her disease, but through being ostracised for supposedly being unclean and for her poverty caused by doctors ripping her off for everything she had — Jesus is truly “gentle and humble of heart”.
The other times “take heart” is found is when Jesus walks on water and encourages the disciples who are terrified of him; to blind Bartimaeus who seeks healing from Jesus; and in the words of John 16:33 “in the world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world”.
So, the idea is a lovely reassuring one. This special Jesusism is especially used when people are facing trials and challenges, even the danger of death itself.
That is appropriate for, as we go into 2012, we will all face every manner of tests and trials. Some of us will lose jobs, loved ones, have dreams shattered, get sick, have marriage challenges or children who go off the rails, or some other disappointment that cuts us deeply. Despite what some prosperity preachers claim, this should come as no surprise to us, for Jesus warned us in the verse above “in this world you will have trouble”.
As we engage these struggles, let’s allow the word tharse, “take heart” to reverberate through our hearts and rest in our souls. If we do, when the inevitable challenges come, we can let the seed of the words of Jesus, “take heart my child” be our anchor and hold us firm in the despair and doubt. “Take heart” will strengthen us so we can overcome whatever we face.
In this way 2012 will be a great year for us all. Go deeper.
