Matthew 10:26-33 forms part of the instructions given by Jesus to the Twelve disciples he sends out. The parallel in Luke 12:2-9 is a warning given to disciples in view of the increasing resistance to Jesus by the Pharisees (cf. Luke 11:53-54.12:1). In this context the words of Jesus allude to the disciples' participation in his own suffering and death. In Matthew, Jesus' words of instruction are directly related to the work of the disciples as they go forth to the lost sheep of Israel, proclaiming the nearness of God's kingdom.
An outline of Jesus' instructions to the disciples appear thus:
- 10: 5-15 Particular Instructions
- 10:16-25 Warning about Persecutions
- 10:26-33 [Our Text] Do not fear
- 10:34-39 Not Peace but a Sword
- 10:40-42 Reward for those who will welcome the disciples
The illustration below shows the central position of verses 26-33. The references to welcoming disciples and their rejection in verses 5-15 will have their correspondences in verses 40-42 and 34-39 respectively. The disciples who are sent as sheep towards wolves (v. 16) are admonished in verses 26-31 not to fear. Their work will lead them to the public profession of Jesus (cf. 32-33 in relation to verse 22).
Matthew 10:26-33 itself can be divided into three parts. The first and second parts are characterized by the command "do not be afraid." (26-27.28-31). The third part is the statement about the public profession of Jesus (vv. 32-33).
The three occurrences of "Do not be afraid" are in v. 26a, 28a, and 31. The first one has the object "them", referring back to the subject of the verb "epikalew" in verse 25 which anticipates the verses where Jesus will be associated with Beelzebul (12:24.27). The contrasts "hidden -- made manifest", "darkness -- light", "whisper -- proclaim from housetops" highlights the manner by which the work of the disciples continue: despite all oppositions, the proclamation of the Gospel must continue.
The second and third occurence of "Do not be afraid" frame sayings that describe the way the disciples are known and cared for but at the same time underscores the one to be feared. Verse 28 contrasts those that are not to be fear, and the one who is to be feared. The one to be feared is He who can consign both body and soul into Gehenna.
For those who have been brought up to think of human beings according to the body-soul anthropology of the Greeks, understanding the statement wouldn't pose a problem. However, some nuance would be lost. The idea of body and soul being thrown into Gehenna (which in the Gospels has become a metaphor for "The Pit" of unending fire This statement about whom to fear is balanced by a saying about God's care for the disciple. The argument here passes from what is lesser to what is greater: if God cares for the sparrow, what more for His children? The last statement is about professing Jesus publicly. Here, the Greek word "homologew" is used. The statement itself is related to the saying in vv. 26b-27,and anticipates the confession of Peter in chapter 16. Earlier in chapter 10, Jesus warned the disciples that they will dragged before authorities (vv. 17-18.21-22), an opportunity for giving testimony (cf. 10:18 with parallel in Luke 21:13. Note how the word for martyrdom is used.). It will be in those moments where the disciple will define him/herself as belonging to Jesus or not. This is the secnd time that Jesus, in a solemn way, bids his disciples to put their confidence in God. Within the context of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), he told his disciples not to worry about clothes or food (cf. 6:26-34). If the whole of the Sermon on the Mount is addressed to a group of people under persecution (cf. 5:11), then it becomes clear why Jesus tells his disciples not to worry. They are in the hands of the Father ("your Father", 6:26.32). Here, where the threat to the life of the disciple is highlighted ("death", 10:21; "kill", 10:26), "Do not worry" becomes "Do not fear." Matthew 10:26-33 is paired with Jeremiah 20:10-13 for the liturgy of the 12th Sunday in OT (A). The combination highlights the confidence of the persecuted Jeremiah in the one who will vindicate him. The prayer of the disciple who suffers on account of Jesus' name should be similar to that of Jeremiah: O LORD of hosts, who tries the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see my vindication against them, for to You have I committed my cause. (Jeremiah 20:12) Psalm 69, the responsorial psalm for the day, has been associated with the Passion of Christ. Thus, in the liturgy itself, we are invited to put our confidence in Him who did not allow His own Son to see corruption.A Note on the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
