Jesus’s message of the Kingdom of Heaven and His criticism of the pharisaical heart intensified near the end of His earthly ministry. The Pharisees responded with vehemence, trying to find fault with Him so they might arrest and kill Him. But Jesus would not fear their threats, and He told His disciples not to worry, either. Why fear the Pharisees? All they can do is kill you. After all, Jesus came to prove that this life is not all there is.


Even so, I have been afraid of men. Have you? The fear of what others will think or do is a strong motivator for many of us. I’ve been afraid to speak the Word of God when I thought someone might simply disagree with me. At worst, they might make life uncomfortable.


Jesus’ words might sound frightening, but they don’t need to be. As His people we do not face the fear of hell, but the hope of heaven. Men can do their worst, but God will do His best, and He always wins. Even if we suffer, we will be with Him in glory because Christ died for our sins and turned aside
His wrath.