If I were told that there is a hungry lion in the next room and I am going to be sent into it I would be afraid. If I am told there is an evil man in the next room and he is angry with me and I am going to be sent into it I would be afraid. If I die an unrepentant and unforgiven sinner and stand before the judgment seat of God I would be frightened.
Someone would say, “I would never be afraid of God.” Jesus says there is a reason to be afraid of God. “Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yet, I tell you, fear him.” Solomon wrote, “…if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding… then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:3, 5)
Jesus is talking to his disciples. He concludes by reassuring them of his unfailing love for them with a comparative illustration. God cares for sparrows which man considered nearly worthless. Now much more is a person who believes in and follows the teachings of Jesus.
