They Can Only Kill You
Matthew 10:26-33
1. Setting
• previously: the transcendent authority and transforming compassion of Jesus
• a repeated refrain to the called and sent disciples: fear not (26, 28, 31)
• Because of the Lord’s comprehensive control and care, live confidently in every circumstance.
• a repeated refrain to the called and sent disciples: fear not (26, 28, 31)
• Because of the Lord’s comprehensive control and care, live confidently in every circumstance.
2. Expect Truth to Triumph over Error 26-27
• contextual connection to 10:24-25 and do not fear: the truth will prevail
• clear contrasts: covered/revealed, hidden/known, whispered/proclaimed
• anticipation of complete transparency
• clear contrasts: covered/revealed, hidden/known, whispered/proclaimed
• anticipation of complete transparency
3. Value the Soul More Than the Body 28
• do not fear: they can only kill you
• cultivation of the proper fear: holy reverence and spiritual comfort (Acts 9:31)
• cultivation of the proper fear: holy reverence and spiritual comfort (Acts 9:31)
4. Affirm the Lord’s Meticulous Providence 29-31
• two sparrows for a penny: intensity
• numbered hairs: intimacy
• do not fear: the Lord values you
• numbered hairs: intimacy
• do not fear: the Lord values you
5. Acknowledge Jesus Openly 32-33
• before men
• choosing death over denial
• choosing death over denial
6. So What?
• Jesus refuses to disguise or minimize the cost of following Him.
• His eye really is on the sparrow!
• “Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever.” (Luther, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”)
• His eye really is on the sparrow!
• “Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever.” (Luther, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”)