Matthew 10
December 6, 2022
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (v28)
This might sound like a strange way to encourage disciples risking their lives to follow Him. But Jesus is trying to help us see that God alone holds our eternity in His hands; that people don’t have that power. So, why be afraid of people, when the worst they can do is kill our body? Of course, the only way this is a comfort is if we’ve already died with Christ, and can say, ‘Whatever you want to do with me, Lord, I’m Yours. I’m no longer holding onto the life I’ve got mapped out for myself.’ With the Apostle Paul, we can say, “I’ve been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). In other words, once I’ve died up front (by dying to myself), I’m no longer afraid of dying.
Father, I praise You for the eternal perspective You’ve given me about death, and for delivering me from fearing it. I know I’m not unafraid of death because I’m especially brave, but because something happened when I put my trust in Christ. By Your grace, I am now in this place where I can truly say, ‘Jesus, what You did for me when You died on that cross and rose from the grave is so great, and the forgiveness of my sins that You purchased with Your blood is so incredible, and the Kingdom of Heaven that You’re preparing for me will be so worth it – that I’m willing to follow You wherever – no longer afraid of dying or being killed - because You alone hold my eternity in Your hands!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
