[28] 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. (Matthew 10:28)
This is a hard teaching by Jesus. It’s blunt. It’s direct. It’s brutally honest. Fortunately, because Jesus is the one delivering the message, we have hope.
On the surface, this hope can seem illusive. Jesus says that there are people who, because of our faith, may want to kill our bodies. And there is another being who could destroy both our bodies and souls. On the surface, this sounds like we have to choose from the lesser of two evils.
Yet Jesus instructs us not to fear those who can kill us physically. This reflects the reality that, by God’s grace, we will spend eternity with God. While we are blessed to engage in God’s mission in this life, this life does not compare to what awaits us.
Which explains why Jesus says we should fear him who can destroy both our soul and body in hell. All people will be resurrected when Jesus returns in judgement. The question is who will join our Lord in the new heavens and new earth and who won’t join him.
If anyone but Jesus gave this directive, we might live in constant fear for our bodies and souls. But this is Jesus. We’re told in Hebrews 2:14–15 that,
“[14] Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
Jesus has overcome death and devil. While we are aware that Satan wants to draw us away from God, we are not fearful of the evil one.
(A Second Look devotion are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 