Do not fear those who kill the body

But I say to you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!

Luke 12:4-5

Introduction

This stern warning is given by Jesus to the disciples at the end of a very heated exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees, culminating in His laying the blame for all righteous blood spilled at their feet “from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the house of God” (Luke 12:51). The Pharisees for their part “began to be very hostile and to question Him closely on many subjects, plotting to catch Him in something He might say.” (Luke 12:53-54)

The Pharisees were known throughout Judea for their pious living and strict adherence to the Law of Moses (and then some). In fact, to more precisely claim they followed the Law, they began to pile on additional restrictions. For example, to avoid the sin of boiling a young goat in its mothers milk (Exodus 23:19; 34:26; Deuteronomy 14:21), the Rabbis commanded not to mix any meat with any dairy. What was erected as a guard rail quickly became the standard by which additional guard rails would need to be put up. So instead of abstaining from mixing any meat with any dairy, now all cooking utensils also have to be kept separate: one set for meat, another for dairy, and yet another for neither. This piling on and on of guidelines (for the Pharisees are very careful about not calling these laws) results in severe restrictions on people out of fear of the Rabbis. Being known as the most pious of Jews, facing off against the Pharisees was cause for great consternation.

Do not fear

While people in apparent power and authority can and often will execute that authority with violence, Jesus here commands His followers not to fear those who can only kill the body. Their authority ends exactly at the border of what Ecclesiastes might call the world “under the sun.” While we are here in this life, Ecclesiastes calls it all “vanity of vanities” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). All of it ends in death, because all have sinned (Romans 3:23), and are therefore deserving of death (Romans 6:23). If we all meet the same fate in the end, then what is there to fear? Why would you be afraid of someone whose only power over you is the ability to send you into the loving arms of Christ more quickly?

Keeping on this same track, I imagine most of us do not face the possibility of being executed for our faith. But we may encounter difficulties with employment. Or a family that disowns us. Or perhaps even our entire social circle being upended due to a sudden drastic conversion from death into life in Christ. And all these people can and will make your life very uncomfortable for the sake of your faith. But even still, do not fear, because whether you enjoy mighty blessings or endure excruciating hardships, it still all ends the same way. Proverbs 92:6-7 teaches us that when you see a wicked person prospering, know that it is only so that they can meet their end in destruction. Nothing we have now has any lasting value, and so it follows that no one this side of death can do any lasting harm.

Fear of the Lord

Both the Proverbs (9:10) and the Psalms (111:10) declare to us that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”. And so what is wisdom? First, it is important to recognize that wisdom is different from knowledge. Knowledge can be gained by wise men and fools alike. Wisdom, however, is the ability to recognize right from wrong, to explain that difference, and to apply it to every aspect of one’s life. That is why the fear of God is the beginning of it. Any other starting place abandons wisdom from the get-go. A person who does not fear God cannot apply His standards rightly.

Many will try to soften the meaning of fear of the Lord to being more of a vague “reverence.” They will say that being a God-fearing man is the equivalent of someone who respects God. But that is not the case. Consider the strong language Jesus uses in this statement: “fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell”. We should fear God because the punishment He administers is eternal. This is in stark contrast to the punishment mere men are able to deal: one that is temporary and full of vanity. God’s judgments are lasting – a fact which ought to terrify you. Ask the question “is pleasing this person or saving face with these unbelievers worth the price of my eternal soul?” Because that is the gamble you are making when you choose fear of man over fear of God.

When we have a proper fear of God, knowing the permanence of His judgments, we will be careful to walk in His ways. This is the conclusion of Ecclesiastes: “fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the end of the matter for all mankind. For God will bring every work to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Walk in His ways and place your trust in the neverending wellspring of righteousness found in Christ. Pray the Spirit sanctifies you and removes the fear of man from your heart.

May the Lord bless you and conform you into the image of His Son.