Luke 10:1 – 20:19
Overview
As we are in the midst of the Gospel of Luke, a theme is becoming clear. Luke is conveying that Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, came to save the lost including both Jew and Gentile. We read that Jesus sent out 70 men to preach, heal and save the lost in the name of Jesus Christ. They arrive back with word that their journey was a success. We also read about the good Samaritan, the Lords prayer, the parable of the rich fool, the cost of following Jesus, the coming of the Kingdom of God and the parable of the Ten Minas.
Scripture Luke 12:4 – 5
4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
Observation
Jesus is preparing his disciples for their ministry. While he is still with them, he wants to give them encouragement and instruction. He knows that their lives will be difficult as they go out into the world and share the gospel. Jesus is telling his disciples they should not fear being killed by their assailant. All that will be killed is the physical body, not the soul. They should not fear death. Instead, they should fear the one who has the authority to judge and throw them into hell. The word hell used here is the Greek word “Gehenna”. This is a symbolic name for the final place of punishment for the ungodly.
Application
While much of the theme of Luke presents Jesus as the Savior for all, this piece of scripture should get the attention of anyone who reads it. Jesus specifically says that we should fear the one who has the authority to send us to Hell. This is a clear reminder of God’s Holiness and our sinful nature. We can do nothing that will make us clean and Holy to God. Jesus sacrifice on the cross for our sins has cleansed us from our sin if we believe that Jesus is God. The ultimate price paid by Christ is a clear message of the love and grace that God has extended to us. If we ignore this grace and turn our backs on God, we are making a choice that we don’t want to be with God in eternity. We are choosing hell. Rejecting our Lord Jesus is to reject the mercy and love of God. Our choices today will influence our eternal destiny.
Prayer
Lord, thank you that we have your word to give us the message of your holiness and mercy as well as your message of salvation. Even the stars, moon and sun show us how awesome you are God. Thank you that you love me and desire that I be with you in eternity.
