“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 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. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10:24-31

Many teachers, myself included, take the time to point out that the “One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” is God. However, the context around that is important as well. The disciples whom Jesus was sending on this mission were going to be in real danger of persecution, including violent persecution. He was warning them about where their fears should really be oriented: toward the Lord, who can destroy the body and spirit in hell, not the enemy who can merely kill you.

What a difference that makes! As an isolated command it sounds like it could be metaphorical; “Sin will kill you, so be righteous.” But the real message is, you might be tempted to sin to save your life, be prepared to die righteous instead!

Ethan Kirl