Scripture

“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.”

Observation

Families will be split apart by the preaching of the gospel. We will be hated by all people because of Christ. But those who stand firm to the end will be saved.

The head of the house is called Beelzebub, so how much more will the followers face opposition?

We must not be afraid of people, who can kill the body but not the soul. Rather, we must be afraid of the Father, who can destroy both body and soul in hell.

Application

Jesus was persecuted by religious leaders, and so we too should expect opposition at the hands of people.

Christians are the most persecuted people in the world. We have a false sense of what life is like because the church in the West has been a dominant part of culture for many centuries. Yet, for people in parts of Asia and Africa, becoming a Christian means to sign up for imprisonment, alienation from family, torture, or death.

When people oppose us because of our faith, we must stand firm. The most they can do is destroy our body. But if we break under the pressure and deny Christ, then we may face eternity in hell separated from Him.

So we must stand firm and endure to the end, even when following Jesus seems to make life difficult.

Prayer

Lord, please help my brothers and sisters for whom living for you brings severe persecution. Please help them to remain steadfast in their faith. Amen.