Pentecost 4 - Proper 7

 

Pentecost 4 - Proper 7

Matthew 10:21-33
21 June 2026
Martini Lutheran Church
New Haven, IN
Fear that chases away fear

[1]

O Lord, whose gracious presence never fails to guide and govern those whom You have nurtured in Your steadfast love and worship, make us ever revere and adore Your holy name.[2] 

Fear. What is it?

FEAR is "False Evidence Appearing Real".

And Courage? COURAGE is fear that has said its prayers.

There is much for us to fear these days. Farmers got a late start planting this spring. Inputs were high. Now we wait for crops to mature and grow. But how about the weather? You cannot control it. And then the markets. You cannot control them either.

Whether it’s the student starting out for the first time on new ventures or the couple contemplating the next phase of their lives, the future can be a little bit scary. - A combination of frightening and alarming. Almost sheer terror!

Some of our fears are legitimate and justified. You can fret and worry about your family, your health, your employment, your future. All valid concerns.

Other times, our fears are unreasonable. Paranoid. Irrational. Uncalled-for. Fear can make us feel powerless. You can talk all you want about the futility of fear. But talking is cheap. Which does not make fear go away.

Your feelings are sometimes deeper than any rational arguments. So how do we deal with this emotion of fear? Faith that deals with this basic feeling is the cure for fear. Address your fears. But trust also in Christ. It is faith that conquers fear. Faith conquers fear because…

Faith is certain we shall overcome – Fear God and you lose the fear of judgment for sin. Jesus said: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant[a] above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.”  Vv. 24-25   

Pain, prison, and death are not the greater dangers after all. But disobedience and conformity to this age are the greater dangers. Jesus loves you so much He was willing to suffer for you. That you might have faith in suffering with Him.

When He suffered for you. He gave what you needed to suffer with Him. He gave you forgiveness for your sins.

He tells you plainly: "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:28

Your guilt is gone. Your heavenly Father is on your side equipping you to trust your Savior Jesus.

And, since the Lord is on your side, what can man do to you? Jesus has promised to suffer for you. That you might have faith in suffering with Him.

Faith in God rather than in man – Fear God and the lesser fear of people disappear.

Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. v. 28

Trust not in princes they are but mortal. Do not conform your life to the appeasement of those who may threaten you.

What’s the worst any man could do? Even in a worst-case scenario, if you die at the hands of men, it will be only temporary. If God kills a man, it will be for eternity.

May we have the strength of faith when Peter and the other apostles said in Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men!”

Faith in God’s care for us – Fear God and you lose the fear of failure.

Some may ask. “What if I fail?” “What if it all goes wrong?” What if it doesn’t work?” It doesn’t matter!

The Father loves you. He’s concerned for you. He’s by your side. He’s in your corner. He’s got you back.

He took the lead. He sent Jesus to the cross. To be your substitute. Jesus lived a perfect life. For you.

He suffered and died at the cruel and bloody cross. For you. He broke down the door of death. He ascended into heaven.

He prepares a place for you. He is with you at this very moment. In His Word. In His Sacraments. To strengthen and preserve you.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Vv.29-31

The Father loves you. You are His. He sustains, directs, supports you. He leads you through troubled waters.

He points you to His promises, which will calm your fears and turn your anxieties and suspicions into a quiet confidence. It is well with your soul when Jesus guides and leads you.

So trust in His timing. Rely on His promises. Wait for His answers. Believe in His miracles.

Rejoice in His goodness. Relax in His presence. Come near to Jesus and He will come near to you. James 4:8

When we take these words of Jesus seriously. (As we should.) We come to this remarkable conclusion; your heavenly Father is completely fascinated by you!

He’s taken the time to count the number of hairs on your head  Who else would do something than that, other than He who is absolutely in love with you! So be rational with your fear.

True. Fear cannot be totally eradicated. It cannot be stripped from the human psyche.

Fear is a part of our make-up. It’s a question of what and whom do you fear. Trust Christ not man.  When Christ is feared; trusted, respected, and held in love and esteem - all other fear soon disappears.

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985 -Words
3.4% -Passive Sentences
86% -Reading ease
3.2-Reading level

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[1] The Lord’s Supper, Ed Riojas © Higher Things

[2] Collect for Pentecost 5, Lutheran Worship © 1981 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

– Romans 6:12-23 We are now slaves to righteousness

 We now enter into a new section of Paul’s letter to the Romans. (6:1-7:6) Paul begins with a discussion. He speaks of the nature of the power of the Gospel. Paul leads to assertions of the reality of the reconciliation and its peace even in the midst of affliction.

 

Christ is always there for you. Even in your darkest hours. Even when you feel like there is no help left. Put your trust in Him. And he will lift you in His arms.  Even in the midst of your darkest hours. Christ remains present.  You can even glory in you weakness. For when you are weak. You are made strong by the power of Christ.  This change happens. Because of the sacramental effected change of lordship, which has taken place in your baptism. You are not your own. You now belong to Christ.  

 

Delivered from sin and death, you now live before God in the righteousness of Christ.

 

1. The outcome of sin is death. 

A.        "For the wages of sin is death," This we can see all around us. Common to human experience is the death of a loved one. Be they friend, family or other. We have all experienced grief loss and sadness. Yet Paul would remind us if the master is sin then we already know the outcome. It is only death. Death is the payment and the reward of sin. Paul uses a military term for wages. It refers to a soldier's daily pay. (opsonia)

 

 

 

B.        And over against those wages is "the free gift of God" which is "eternal life in Jesus Christ."  The word "free gift" has buried in it the word grace. (charis) God's grace is the final word once again!

 

2. He has set you free.

 

A.        From the slavery of sin, death, and the power and realm of Satan. And where does this freedom come from? It comes in your baptism. The place where the Father names you as His own dear child. And not because of what you have attained. Accomplished. Bought. Or achieved. This freedom comes to you simply because God has chosen to love you and adopt you as His own.

 

B.        And has now brought you “from death to life." Because you have died to sin you have been raised to newness of life in Christ. No longer does sin reign over you. You now live in the light of your union with Christ. 

 

3. You are now a new person. Created in Christ Jesus.

 

A.        No longer are you under the law. In Christ you died to sin. In Christ you were raised to newness of life. And thus you now live a new and different life in and through Him.

 

B.        Now you live "under grace."   Because you have died to sin you have been raised you newness of life in Christ. Rather than presenting you bodies as servants of sin we now present our bodies as instruments of righteousness.

1.     Sin will have no dominion over you.

 

2.     Since you are no longer under law.

a.     The law always accuses.

b.     The law always destroys. 

 

 

4.  Hope for today and tomorrow

 

A.   Such is your courage in the face of those "who kill the body but cannot kill the soul."  Do not be afraid to speak clearly and openly what Christ has taught you. Be courageous to speak the truth of Scripture clearly and openly for all to hear even if it appears unpopular or dangerous. 

B.   Although "you will be hated by all" maligned by the world for name of Christ. Any mistreatment for speaking the truth clearly and openly is not some unexpected, accidental. Random, meaningless experience. (Matthew10:22, 25) That is just the way the world treated Christ. It is a sign that you belong to Christ. It's a sign that you are a part of His household. (See Hebrews 13:8) don't be afraid of the names they call you. Those very names. Bind you to Christ. 

C.   You abide in the care of Christ.  Fear not. Your Father will not let anything happen to you apart from His gracious will. You are of more value than many sparrows. Not one of them will fall without your Father's will. No harm will befall you but what your Father Wills. If God has work for you to do you cannot die! 

So I appeal to you. Do not yield to the spirit of this age. Love the truth . What you learn of Christ in the closet speak in the light. What you hear in the Scriptures proclaim from the housetop. You need not fear the face of any man. You are in Christ.  

Words – 820

Passive Sentences –7%

Readability –88.1%

Reading Level – 3.2

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

June 20 – Saturday prior to Proper 7

 

Psalm 79:9 – This verse, “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!” happens to be the inspiration for the hymn of the week for Proper 7 “Lord of our life and God of our salvation.” {LSB 725}. 

David is desperate he says, literally, “Hasten; let thy tender mercies anticipate us.”

Taken from a prayer for God to heal and forgive His people and to redress the violent acts of their enemies. When we are attacked by slander, persecution, and the temptations of the devil, our world, and our own sinful self, we turn to Him who is our safe refuge, the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ the righteousness one.

Context, especially when reading Scripture is essential. The Psalmist pleads in verse 8, “Do not hold past sins against us; let Your compassion come quickly, for we are brought low.”  The accuser is good a pointing out our former sins. He can name chapter and verse where we have wronged and offended God and our neighbor. Have there been instances in our lives when we have not acted as becomes a child of God? Have you had to be reminded of that moment only to relive it once again? 

Each of us can recall those moments in our lives in which we are not proud! Peter’s’ denial that long Thursday night crushed him – but what he found was restoration by the Savior! 

Peter’s freedom came at a price – the price of Jesus’ life. To be crushed by conscience and the Law is never a pleasant thing. But Christ’s redemption leads to recovery – to be reconciled to the Father and also to each other – all has been made possible by the Savior’s amazing grace!

Kyrie Eleison! Lord, Have Mercy! Christ, Have mercy! Lord, Have mercy!

Father of mercy, your Son told his enemies that, if they should destroy the temple of his body, you would raise it again in three days. By his death and resurrection demolish our pretensions of strength, and on the ruins build a temple worthy of your name, so that all the world may know the glory of your transforming power, shown in Jesus Christ our Lord,   

Image of Good Friday 2019, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Prayer for Psalm 79, For All the Saints – A Prayer Book For and By the Church Year 1 © 1994American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi NY 

 

June 19 – Friday prior to Proper 7

 

Psalm 91:1-10 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The mention of terror or “threat” is reference to an attack by one’s enemies. Thus it is paired with “arrows,” as in arrows from an enemy. Think evil arrows.

These two references to threats from war are arrayed alongside “pestilence” and “plague” (v. 6), two references to mortal diseases that often reached epidemic proportions. How fitting for such times as these.

The Psalmist makes reference to “night…day,” at whatever time of day or night the threat may come, you will be kept safe.

A question often asked is “where is God in all of this?” Where is God?

One of the curious things about the Psalms is that there is often a declaration to the effect that if one trusts God then no harm will come to them. Unfortunately, experience teaches something quite different. People of faith do get cancer, heart disease, heart attacks, and die from any number of diseases. People of faith are crushed in spirit by acrid verbal attacks, broken in body and mind by physical and emotional abuse, and find themselves in a hospital or die as a result of all forms of violence. People who do trust in God are acquainted with poverty, lack of food and clothing, and experience starvation. So is the Psalmist correct here? What shall we make of such an assertion?

The refuge that is found in God alone will sustain people even if the body is destroyed. This refuge will provide rescue from those things that would harm our relationship with God. The refuge is precisely that. It is a refuge of solace that can provide an inner strength to endure the harshest trials of life. In that sense, God’s presence is a refuge. Since God is ever present in all circumstances of every waking and sleeping moment, then there is a refuge that one can experience in the here and now, and in the future yet to unfold. God is our rock shelter of hope.

Lord Jesus, when tempted by the devil, you remained true to your Father, who commanded his angels to watch over you. Guard your Church from the plague of sin, so that we may remain faithful to you until the day when we enjoy the fullness of your salvation; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

The Sacrament of the Altar copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Prayer for Psalm 91, For All the Saints – A Prayer Book For and By the Church Year 1 © 1994American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi NY 

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1543

June 18 – Thursday prior to Proper 7

 

Fear. What is it?  FEAR is "False Evidence Appearing Real". And Courage?  Courage is fear that has said its prayers.   

In most marriages, there is the need for both the nerd and the free spirit. The Free Spirit will jump without thinking, The Nerd is always thinking, always double-checking, always asking questions. “And then what?” “And what if that doesn’t work?’ “Have you ever considered this happening…Or that happening?” 

There is much for us to fear these days. Our farmers must now wait as crops mature and grow. But how about the weather? You cannot control it. And the markets. You cannot control them either.

Whether it’s the student starting out for the first time to new ventures or the couple contemplating the next phase of their lives the future can be a little bit scary, a lot more scary - a combination of frightening and alarming.  

Some of our fears are legitimate and justified. You can fret and worry about your family, your health, your employment, your future. Need we express fear as in genuine concern – yes…Panic, of course not.

At times, our fears are simply unreasonable. Paranoid.  Irrational. Uncalled-for. Fear can make us feel powerless. You can talk all you want about the futility of fear. It does not make fear go away.

Your feelings are sometimes deeper that any rational arguments. So how do we deal with this emotion of fear? Faith that deals with this basic feeling is the cure for fear.  Address your fears. But trust also in Christ. It is faith that conquers fear. Faith conquers fear because…

Faith is certain we shall overcome – Fear God and you lose the fear of judgment for sin. Jesus tells us, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.” Vv. 24-25 

Pain, prison, and death are not the greater dangers after all. But disobedience and conformity to this age are the great dangers. Jesus loves you so much He was willing to suffer for you, that you might have faith to suffer with Him.

When He suffered for you, He gave what you needed to suffer with Him. He gave you forgiveness for your sins. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:28

Your guilt before God is gone. God is on your side. And, since God is on your side, what can man do to you? Jesus has loved to suffer for you, that you might have faith to suffer with Him.

Fear cannot be totally eradicated. It cannot be stripped from the human psyche. Fear is a part of our make-up. It’s a question of what and whom do you fear. Trust Christ not man. When Christ is feared, all other fear disappears.

O Lord, whose gracious presence never fails to guide and govern those whom You have nurtured in Your steadfast love and worship, make us ever love and adore Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who livers and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Consider the Birds of the Air, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

June 17– Wednesday prior to Proper 7

 

Romans 6:12-23 – In these verses, Paul explains what it means to be dead to sin (vv. 5-7) and alive to God (vv. 8-10).  Our victory over sin is a refusal to let sin reign in one’s life (v. 12).  We do this as we offer ourselves to God Himself to be witnesses of His mercy and grace in this world. Hence the prayer for us to be mindful of our Christian vocation.

Christ is always there for you. Even in your darkest hours. Even when you feel like there is no help left. Put your trust in Him. And he will lift you in His arms.  Even in the midst of your darkest hours. Christ remains present.  You can even glory in you weakness. For when you are weak you are made strong by the power of Christ.  This change happens. Because of the sacramental effected change which has taken place in your baptism. You are not your own. You now belong to Christ. 

Delivered from sin and death, you now live before God in the righteousness of Christ.

Do not yield to the spirit of this age. Love the truth. What you learn of Christ in the closet speak in the light. What you hear in the Scriptures proclaim from the housetop. You need not fear the face of any man. You are in Christ. 

So trust in His timing. Rely on His promises. Wait for His answers. Believe in His miracles. Rejoice in His goodness. Relax in His presence. Come near to Jesus and He will come near to you.  James 4:8

If we take these words seriously, we have to come to this conclusion; your heavenly Father is completely fascinated with you. He’s taken the time to count the number of hair on your head. Who else would do something than that other then He who is in love with you!

A prayer for Christian vocation - Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ’s name; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Collect for Christian Vocation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Consider the Birds, they neither sow, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

June 16– Tuesday prior to Proper 7

 

Jeremiah 20:7-12 – Jeremiah trusts God to deliver him from those who oppose his preaching.  Here is one who wants to quit but cannot. He decides not to preach but he finds himself driven to keep going. It is like a fire in his bones that must be expressed or explode! He is driven by an inner voice. The love of Christ, faith of God, the sense of obedience, impels, and compels one to witness regardless of popular acceptance. 

Faith overcomes fear. In the midst of persecution, Jeremiah puts his trust in God’s deliverance from his enemies. He was sure God would vindicate him and his oppressors would be eliminated. His trust was justified, for when he was released from the dungeon, Jeremiah exulted, “Praise the Lord!” v. 13

When you experience a trial, choose—by faith—to put your trust in God. This choice will help you be more objective and consequently more alert to the reasons why God may have allowed the trial to occur. As you deal with the difficulties, remember the following truths:

Gaining intimate knowledge of Christ exceeds the value of gaining more possessions. (See Philippians 3:8.)

Developing stronger character is more important than getting your own way. (See Hebrews 5:8.)

Demonstrating self-control is more heroic than dominating your competitors. (See Proverbs 25:28.)

Eternal treasures are more valuable than earthly riches. (See Matthew 19:21.)

A Prayer for grace to use our gifts – Almighty God even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Crucifixion Image, copyright © 2019 Ed Riojas, Higher Things

June 15 - Monday prior to Proper 7

 Psalm 56:3-4; 10-11 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for this coming Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 13, “For You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” 

David reminds us to make a confession of trust in the face of fear.  The confession is renewed throughout the Psalm but especially in the appointed verses for this coming Sunday. Especially when we face great difficulty, the Lord asks us to cling to His words and promises.

As we have worked through the onslaught of Covid-19 and its effects we are reminded that trials and setbacks are part and parcel of this life. We’re living in a fallen world – outside of Eden. The trials and tests we encounter may at times appear overwhelming. It is then that we realize that Christ has triumphed for us.

Below are brief descriptions of the types of tests that every Christian will likely face. These include,

Fiery trials: intense encounters or struggles; bursts of anger, grief, or loss – 1 Peter 3:12

Infirmities: physical limitations and illnesses - Isaiah 53:4-9, Romans 8:26

Reproaches: ridicule and rejection on account of faith or holiness – Psalm 119:22

Persecutions: harassment and oppression due to religious convictions - Acts 5:41 and Acts 8:1-4

Necessities: wear and care of daily responsibilities – Luke 6:30

Distresses: disappointments and deep hurts – Genesis 35:3; Psalm 4:1

Tribulations: unusual pressures and challenges – Romans 12:12; James 1:12

Temptations: opportunities to yield to our sinful nature – 1 Corinthians 10:13

These are just some of the challenges each generation of Christians have had to endure. The Christians’ life is not a panacea. There will be challenges in your road.   As one author explained, “The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground, and we must be on our guard at all times."

The good news of the Gospel reminds us that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, to defeat death by taking it into Himself, and to wipe away the tears of grief which wet our faces year after year.

Jesus reminds us, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33

The hymn ‘In God, my faithful God’ teaches,

1 In God, my faithful God,
I trust when dark my road;
Great woes may overtake me,
Yet He will not forsake me.
My troubles He can alter;
His hand lets nothing falter

A simple yet heartfelt Prayer – “O God, our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear and preserve us from unbelief.”

Prayer, and the hymn, In God, my faithful God, from Lutheran Service Book © 2006, Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis 

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, "The Crucifixion," copyright © WELS Permission granted for congregational and personal use

Proper 7 Series A (Pentecost 4)

Pentecost 4

Jeremiah 20:7–13
Romans 6:12–23
Matthew 10:5a, 21–33

Delivered from Sin and Death, You Now Live before God in the Righteousness of Christ

The outcome of sin is death, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). He has set you free from the slavery of sin and has brought you “from death to life” (Romans 6:13). No longer are you under the condemnation of the Law, but you live “under grace” (Romans 6:14). Such is your courage in the face of “those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). For though “you will be hated by all,” and maligned by the world for the name of Christ (Matthew 10:22, 25), you abide in the care of your Father in heaven, who numbers “even the hairs of your head” and values you more “than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30–31). By the Word of Christ, you have become like Him, your Teacher and Master in whom you endure to the end, and “will be saved” (Matthew 10:22, 25). For He is with you “as a dread warrior,” who has overcome your enemies (Jeremiah 20:11). By the righteousness of faith, He delivers your heart, mind, body and life “from the hand of evildoers,” and He brings you into the land of the living (Jeremiah 20:12–13).

Matthew 10:5, 21-33

:5 Τούτους τοὺς δώδεκα ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς παραγγείλας αὐτοῖς λέγων· Εἰς ὁδὸν ἐθνῶν μὴ ἀπέλθητε καὶ εἰς πόλιν Σαμαριτῶν μὴ εἰσέλθητε·

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,

21 παραδώσει δὲ ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον καὶ πατὴρ τέκνον, καὶ ἐπαναστήσονται τέκνα ἐπὶ γονεῖς καὶ θανατώσουσιν αὐτούς.

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,

22 καὶ ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου· ὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος οὗτος σωθήσεται. 

and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

23 ὅταν δὲ διώκωσιν ὑμᾶς ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ, φεύγετε εἰς τὴν [a]ἑτέραν· ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐ μὴ τελέσητε τὰς πόλεις τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ ἕως ἂν ἔλθῃ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 Οὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον οὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ.

A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant Or [bondservant; ]above his master. 

25 ἀρκετὸν τῷ μαθητῇ ἵνα γένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὁ δοῦλος ὡς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ. εἰ τὸν οἰκοδεσπότην Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐπεκάλεσαν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ.

It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Have no fear

26 Μὴ οὖν φοβηθῆτε αὐτούς· οὐδὲν γάρ ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται.

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 

27 ὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί· καὶ ὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε, κηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων.

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

 28 καὶ μὴ φοβεῖσθε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποκτεννόντων τὸ σῶμα τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν μὴ δυναμένων ἀποκτεῖναι· φοβεῖσθε δὲ μᾶλλον τὸν δυνάμενον καὶ ψυχὴν καὶ σῶμα ἀπολέσαι ἐν γεέννῃ. 

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Gehenna]

29 οὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται; καὶ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἄνευ τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 

ἀσσαρίου - Roman copper coin (Latin quadrans) worth about 1/16 of a denarius (which was a day's wage for a laborer)

30 ὑμῶν δὲ καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς πᾶσαι ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν.

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 

31 μὴ οὖν [i]φοβεῖσθε· πολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε ὑμεῖς.

Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

32 Πᾶς οὖν ὅστις ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ [j]ἐν οὐρανοῖς·

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven 

33 ὅστις δ᾽ ἂν ἀρνήσηταί με ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἀρνήσομαι κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς.

but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

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The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.