Have No Fear

Scripture Reading

Prayer

Review

Last week: Jesus sends out 12 Apostles

Persecution is coming

Introduction

Today we are going to look at the response to that persecution, specifically, what response not to have.

That response is fear.

Matthew 10:26–27 ESV

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

Transitional statement

Context: disciples are to expect persecution

“So” seems to connect this passage not just to persecution in general but also to the master suffering ahead of the disciples

the conclusion is to “have no fear of them:

them = persecutors (vs. 23)

Their mission will eventually be to make the Gospel known.

They are to shout it from the rooftops and proclaim it to Friends, family, and strangers alike.

Rooftops were flat and good places for speakers to stand.

There was some shadowing of the truth during Jesus’ earthly ministry.

ex. In chapter 9, Jesus healed two blind men and instructed them not to tell anyone.

Matthew 9:30-31

Matthew 9:30–31 ESV

And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

Jesus taught in a way that hide things

Matthew 13:10-17

Matthew 13:10–17 ESV

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “ ‘ “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

We will address this passage directly in a few weeks. For now, realize that this is how Jesus taught but the disciples are not to keep secrets but to make Jesus’ teaching known.

Some of what Jesus taught, His disciples did not understand

John 14:26

John 14:26 ESV

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

The Holy Spirit, in some way, illumines our understanding to realize the truth and meaning of Jesus’ teaching

So Jesus encourages them not to fear because Jesus’ mission is too important.

I. Do not fear, because your mission is too important (26-28)

Matthew 10:28 ESV

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul- This is mankind, as well as the Adversary

Said another way, simply “don’t fear man”

Jesus encourages them not to fear because they rather should fear God, who can do far worse than the persecutors or even the adversary can do.

II. Do not fear man, fear God (29)

Proverbs 9:10

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

What is the fear of God

This is not to be scared that God will send you to Hell but rather the recognize who He is and what He is able to do and to live with that in mind. Recognizing who God is is able to help you live for Him and appreciate what He did for you.

Proverbs 29:25

Proverbs 29:25 ESV

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

What is the fear of Man?

It is giving that place of reverence that affects your actions to man instead of God.

It is small minded, not looking at the bigger picture.

Matthew 10:29–31 ESV

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Sparrows were food for the very poor.

Sold for 1 penny or 1/16 of a day’s wage

This is teaching that God is Sovereign.

The argument is, essentially, “if God is able to care for the sparrows, isn’t He able to care for His Son’s disciples?”

III. Do not let fear keep you from being a faithful disciple, you are of great value to your Father who is in control (29-31)