Matthew 10:28 – Do Not Be Afraid

Matthew 10:28 “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.”

I am a fearful man. I am always afraid of what others are thinking about things I do and say. I am afraid of hurting people’s feelings, asking others for help, and creating conflict. I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t feel fear for something. So, Jesus’ command to not be afraid seems both impossible and freeing at the same time.

“Do not be afraid of people.” Such a simple statement but so hard to live out. How do you even start to live this out? Luckily for us, the Bible is full of references on fear.

• Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
• Psalm 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.”
• Proverbs 29:25 “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
• 1John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,”
• Genesis 15:1 “Do not be afraid. I am your shield”
• Genesis 26:24 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you”
• Deuteronomy 1:17 “Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God.”
• Deuteronomy 3:22 “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”
• Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• 2Kings 6:16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
• Psalm 56:3, 11 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?”
• Psalm 118:6 “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
• Matthew 5:36 “Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

The phrase “Do not be afraid” appears almost 100 times in the scriptures. How much more evidence do I need to trust? We can take Him at His Word. “Do not be afraid!”