Matthew 10:28 (LSB)
“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Devotional: Fear God More Than You Fear People
We live in a world where people are often more concerned about what others think of them than what God thinks of them. We worry about being judged, criticized, rejected, misunderstood, or disliked. Sometimes we stay silent when we should speak the truth because we are afraid of how someone might respond. Other times, we compromise our convictions simply because we want to fit in. But in Matthew 10:28, Jesus reminds us that there is Someone far greater than any person whose approval we might seek. People may have power over certain circumstances in our lives, but their power is limited. God’s authority is eternal, and He alone has ultimate authority over both body and soul.
To understand this verse, we need to look at the context. Jesus was preparing His twelve disciples to go out and proclaim the message of the kingdom. He warned them that they would face opposition, persecution, rejection, and even threats against their lives. Following Him would not always be comfortable or popular. Yet Jesus repeatedly told them not to be afraid. He wanted them to understand that although people could harm their physical bodies, they could not determine their eternal destiny. That authority belongs to God alone. Jesus was not promising that His followers would never suffer. He was teaching them that even the worst thing another human being could do was not greater than God’s ultimate authority.
When Jesus tells us to fear God, He is not simply telling us to be terrified of Him. Biblical fear of God includes reverence, awe, submission, and a recognition of His holiness and authority. However, we should not remove the seriousness of His warning. Jesus specifically speaks about God’s authority to destroy both soul and body in hell. This is a sober reminder of divine judgment. God is perfectly holy, perfectly righteous, and perfectly just. We cannot treat His commands casually or assume that His judgment is insignificant. A proper fear of God recognizes both His holiness and our accountability before Him.
There is also tremendous encouragement for believers in this passage. Just two verses later, Jesus reminds His disciples that even the sparrows do not fall apart from the Father’s knowledge and that the hairs of their heads are numbered (Matthew 10:29–31). Think about that connection. The same God who possesses ultimate authority over eternal judgment also knows and cares for His children in extraordinary detail. His greatness does not make Him distant. His sovereignty does not make Him indifferent. We can trust Him because His power is accompanied by perfect wisdom, righteousness, and care.
This verse also challenges us to examine whose approval we are living for. Are we more concerned about being accepted by the world than being faithful to God’s Word? Do we avoid difficult biblical truths because someone might disagree with us? Are we willing to stand firm in our convictions when doing so costs us friendships, popularity, comfort, or opportunities? Jesus never promised that obedience would earn us the applause of others. In fact, He warned that following Him could bring opposition. Our responsibility is not to make everyone happy. Our responsibility is to remain faithful to Him, speaking the truth with humility, gentleness, and love.
Ultimately, Matthew 10:28 reminds us to keep an eternal perspective. Human opinions change. Popularity fades. Circumstances come and go. Even our earthly lives are temporary. But God is eternal, His Word remains true, and His authority will never diminish. When we truly understand who God is, the opinions and threats of others begin to lose their power over our decisions. We can live courageously, not because we are strong enough to face everything on our own, but because we belong to the One who holds eternity in His hands. The more seriously we take God’s authority, the less control the fear of people will have over our lives.
Discussion Questions
What does Jesus mean when He tells us to fear God rather than those who can only kill the body?
How can the fear of people’s opinions influence our willingness to stand firm in biblical truth?
How does understanding God’s holiness, authority, and care help us develop a proper fear of Him?
In what areas of your life might you be allowing the fear of people to become greater than your desire to obey God?
Life Application
Today, examine whether the fear of rejection, criticism, or disapproval has influenced your decisions or weakened your willingness to stand for biblical truth. Ask God to help you develop a deeper reverence for Him and a greater confidence in His authority. Remember that fearing God does not mean treating others harshly or dismissing their feelings. It means placing obedience to Him above the desire for human approval. Look for one opportunity today to demonstrate your faith through courage, humility, and obedience, even when doing so may be uncomfortable.
Journal Prompt
Think about a time when you remained silent, compromised a conviction, or changed your behavior because you were worried about what someone else might think. What were you afraid of losing? How might your response have been different if your greatest concern had been honoring God? Write about one area of your life where you need to replace the fear of people with a deeper reverence for God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed the opinions of others to matter more than obedience to You. Help me develop a proper fear of You, rooted in reverence for Your holiness, righteousness, and authority. Give me courage to stand firm in Your truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Remind me that Your approval matters more than the acceptance of this world. Help me speak with love, walk in humility, and remain faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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