In Matthew 10, Jesus is sending out His twelve disciples on a mission to proclaim the message of the kingdom of heaven. He prepares them for the challenges and opposition they will face, warning them about persecution and the potential for bodily harm.
- Key Points:
Fear of God Over Human Fear: Jesus instructs His disciples not to fear those who can harm the body but rather to fear God. This emphasizes the priority of fearing God above all human concerns.
Soul's Safety: Jesus highlights the eternal significance of the soul. While humans can harm the body, they cannot harm the soul. The soul's ultimate safety rests in God's hands.
Reference to Gehenna: Jesus references Gehenna, a valley outside Jerusalem historically associated with idol worship and child sacrifice. It later became a symbol of judgment and punishment. By mentioning Gehenna, Jesus underscores the seriousness of the consequences of not fearing God.
- Significance:
Priority of Reverence: This verse underscores the importance of having a reverent fear of God, recognizing His sovereignty and authority above all else.
Eternal Perspective: Jesus shifts the disciples' focus from the temporal to the eternal. While bodily harm is a temporary concern, the soul's destiny is of eternal significance.
Understanding God's Authority: It highlights God's authority and power over both the body and the soul, emphasizing His role as the ultimate judge.
- Application:
Fear of God: Believers can cultivate a healthy fear of God, recognizing His authority and sovereignty in their lives. This fear leads to reverence and obedience.
Eternal Perspective: This verse encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, prioritizing the well-being of the soul over temporary concerns.
Trust in God's Justice: Believers can trust in God's justice, knowing that He is the ultimate judge who will ultimately ensure justice and righteousness.
Cross-References:
Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse reinforces the idea that the fear of God is the foundation of wisdom.
Hebrews 10:31: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." This verse echoes the concept of reverent fear of God's judgment.
Matthew 10:28 conveys a profound message about the fear of God and the safety of the soul. It urges believers to prioritize their reverence for God above all human concerns, recognizing the eternal significance of the soul. By emphasizing God's authority and role as the ultimate judge, Jesus encourages a deep trust in God's justice and sovereignty.
Matthew 10:28. “Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”