Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. - Matthew 10:28 NLT
Introduction
Matthew 10:28 presents a sobering truth about fear and trust: “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.” In this verse, Jesus shifts our perspective on fear, directing us to revere God above all else. It challenges us to place our ultimate trust and obedience in Him, recognizing that our eternal well-being depends on our relationship with Him rather than worldly threats.
Authorship and Speaker
The Gospel of Matthew, written by the Apostle Matthew, captures Jesus’ teachings and ministry. In this passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples as He prepares them for persecution and challenges in their mission. His words are both a warning and a reassurance, reminding them that earthly opposition is temporary, but God’s authority is eternal.
Jesus’ tone is direct and instructive, encouraging His followers to live with a God-centered perspective, trusting in His sovereignty rather than succumbing to fear of man.
Linguistic Analysis and Interpretation
The phrase “do not fear” reflects a command to release anxiety about temporal threats. The term “kill the body” emphasizes the limitations of human power, while “fear Him” shifts the focus to God’s ultimate authority over both physical and spiritual realms. The reference to “hell” (Gehenna) underscores the eternal consequences of separation from God.
This verse teaches that fear should not be rooted in temporary, earthly circumstances but in a reverence for God, who holds our eternal destiny in His hands. It challenges us to prioritize obedience and trust in Him above all else.
Etymology of Key Words
Fear (φοβέω, phobeo): To revere, respect, or stand in awe, often used to describe reverence for God.
Destroy (ἀπόλλυμι, apollymi): To ruin or bring to an end, emphasizing the eternal consequences of separation from God.
Hell (γέεννα, Gehenna): A place of judgment, symbolizing eternal separation from God.
Soul (ψυχή, psuche): Refers to the eternal essence of a person, distinct from the physical body.
These terms highlight the weight of Jesus’ message, urging us to align our fear and trust with God’s eternal authority.
Exploration of the Text
Matthew 10:28 challenges believers to shift their perspective on fear. Jesus contrasts the temporary power of humans with the eternal authority of God, emphasizing that only God determines our ultimate destiny. This verse is not meant to terrify but to realign our priorities, reminding us that our allegiance belongs to the One who created and sustains us.
Jesus’ words also offer reassurance. While the world may threaten our physical safety or comfort, it has no power over our eternal soul. By fearing God above all, we anchor our lives in His sovereignty, finding strength and peace even in the face of earthly challenges.
Cultural Context for Today
In Jesus’ time, His disciples faced persecution, rejection, and physical danger for proclaiming the gospel. His command to fear God rather than man was both a warning and a source of courage, helping them endure opposition with an eternal perspective.
Today, fear often manifests in subtler ways—fear of failure, rejection, or judgment. Modern culture amplifies these fears through societal pressures and comparisons, making it easy to prioritize the opinions of others over God’s truth. Matthew 10:28 reminds us to resist these pressures, anchoring our trust in God’s eternal authority and care.
From a mental health perspective, misplaced fear can lead to anxiety and a sense of powerlessness. Jesus’ teaching offers freedom by redirecting our focus to God’s sovereignty, fostering a sense of security and purpose rooted in His love.
Application and Reflection
Teaching Point: Fear of God is not terror but reverence, aligning our lives with His eternal authority. By trusting Him above all, we find freedom from the anxieties of earthly threats and pressures.
Reflection Questions:
- What fears are currently influencing your decisions or priorities? How can you shift your focus to trust God’s sovereignty over these concerns?
- How does revering God above all else bring clarity and peace in the face of challenges?
Evidence-Based Journaling Prompts:
- Reflect on a situation where fear of others influenced your actions. How might trusting God’s authority have changed your response?
- Write about an area of your life where fear feels overwhelming. How can you surrender that fear to God and rely on His eternal care?
Wisdom From the Well
Matthew 10:28 reveals that misplaced fear can bind us, while reverence for God sets us free. Spiritually, fearing God means acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning our lives with His purposes. It reflects trust in His eternal plan and confidence in His ability to sustain us through every trial.
Emotionally, shifting our fear from earthly threats to a reverence for God reduces anxiety and fosters resilience. Research shows that focusing on a higher purpose or faith reduces the impact of stress, offering a sense of security that transcends circumstances. By placing our trust in God’s authority, we release the weight of human expectations and fears.
Consider this: fearing God above all else is not about dread but about prioritizing His voice over the noise of the world. As you reflect on Matthew 10:28, ask yourself: What fears are holding me back from fully trusting God? How can revering Him above all else bring peace and courage into my life? Trust that as you align your heart with His eternal authority, He will guide and sustain you in every circumstance.