Luke 12:4-7·~1 min
Fear God Alone
Jesus tells his friends not to fear those who kill the body, calls them to fear the One with authority after death, and points to sparrows and numbered hairs as signs of God's care.
I4 tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Section summaryJesus redirects fear away from those who can only kill the body and toward God, who holds authority after death. He grounds that command in God's care for sparrows and numbered hairs, making the disciples’ worth explicit.
Role in the chapterThis section replaces human threat with God's greater authority and careful knowledge.