DO NOT BE AFRAID

Passage: Matthew 10:26-33

Key verse: 26

NIV

26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.(A) 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One(B) who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.(C) 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.(D)

32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others,(E) I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.(F)

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Footnotes
  1. Matthew 10:29 Or will; or knowledge
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Have No Fear

26 “So have no fear of them, (A)for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on (B)the housetops. 28 And (C)do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him (D)who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[a] 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[b] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But (E)even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; (F)you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 (G)So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but (H)whoever denies me before men, (I)I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

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Footnotes
  1. Matthew 10:28 Greek Gehenna
  2. Matthew 10:29 Greek assarion, Roman copper coin worth about 1/16 of a denarius (which was a day's wage for a laborer)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Jesus gave the disciples three points to overcome their fear.

First, it was time for the truth that Jesus taught them in quiet to be boldly proclaimed to all (27). Because the gospel was a message of salvation for ALL who believed, they could gain confidence even in times of persecution (Rom 1:16). Second, they had to see who they feared more. Ultimately, God had power over eternal life. They had to fear him, not those who held a temporal power in the world (28). Third, they could overcome fear by trusting in God’s caring love that governs even the little things (31).

Then Jesus promises to acknowledge those who publicly confess their faith in him during times of trial. Jesus will recognize them when they stand before God (32). However, those who fail to stand with their faith and deny the name of Jesus may also be denied salvation (33).

Do you have any fear that hinders you from boldly preaching the gospel to the world today? What circumstances make you hesitant to confess Jesus as the Lord? Would you kneel before the Lord and ask him to help you overcome your fear?

Prayer: Father, you have overcome all evil, and there is life in your words. Please help me bring the gospel to my generation, so they receive life.

One Word: Do not be afraid