Matthew 10:24-31  Three times in these 8 verses Jesus says, "...do not fear.."  There is truth here that we need to grasp. 

V26 "Therefore do not fear them... "   What is the "therefore" referring to?  Jesus said, "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become as his teacher..."  Not "above"  but "as"..  Jesus is not asking His disciples to suffer anything that He does not Himself.  He is not asking them to give any more than what He Himself will give.  He was called "Beelzebul".. and they will be called names too.  But, they do not have to be afraid.. for the truth will win in the end! ".. for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed..."  

Jesus will speak to His disciples and His disciples will speak up for Jesus.   We "do not fear"  to proclaim the truth of the gospel, because.. "those who kill the body.. are unable to kill the soul."   Our future is in the hands of God, the One "who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."  Our lives are in His hands!  No  enemy.. not even death can separate us from the Father...  As Paul wrote, ".. I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ( Romans 8:38-39)

The third reason that we should not fear is because we are " of more value than many sparrows."  The sparrows are worth very little in any economy.. yet Jesus tells us that our Father knows when one "falls to the ground." He knows "the very hairs of your head."   We are valuable to God!  Think about that for a moment.. Let that truth fill your heart and mind and soul.   This is a quote from a book called Soul Care.. 

"Your value is not determined by your performance or whether people love you

or whether you are in control. These are all core lies that can create cracks in the foundation

and damage your soul. You need to replace them with the truth.

Here is the truth that can set you free: The issue of your value is settled at the cross. 

On the cross, the Father said to you and me, 

'You are of infinite worth to me. I declare you worthy of my Son's blood."

"This issue of your value is settled at the cross. 

This is the truth that you must hold on to."

As disciples of Jesus we need to be prepared, as He prepared the 12..  Matthew Henry said it this way.."Christ foretold troubles, not only that troubles might not be a surprise, but that they might confirm their faith... Thus Christ has dealt fairly and faithfully with us, in telling us the worst we can meet with in his service; and he would have us deal so with ourselves, in sitting down and counting the cost." 

We need to be prepared but not afraid. 

No fear.. for the truth will be revealed.

No fear.. for we are in His hands.. both body and soul.

No fear.. for we are of immense value to Him! 

Father in heaven, let Your name be praised and proclaimed in all the earth!  You are a good, good Father. You will never let us go.. thank You.  We desire to walk in Your Truth, without fear, knowing that no matter what.. You have us in Your hands.  You see us.  Your eye is on the sparrow! We know that You are watching over us.  Hallelujah! Thank You.  Remove all fear.. casting it out with Your love. Fill us with this deep love that only You can provide.  Fill us with the perseverance of Christ our Lord. We ask this in His Name. Amen.