"Meanwhile, such a numerous crowd had gathered that they crushed one another. Then JESUS spoke to HIS disciples in this way,
'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered that will not be uncovered; or hidden, that will not be made known. Whatever you have said in darkness will be heard in daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places, will be proclaimed from housetops.
I tell you, MY friends, do not fear those who put to death the body and, after that, can do no more. But I will tell you whom to fear: Fear the one who, after killing you, is able to throw you into hell. This one you must fear. Don't you buy five sparrows for two pennies? Yet not one of them has been forgotten by GOD. Even the hairs of your head have been numbered. Don't be afraid! Are you less worthy in the eyes of GOD than many sparrows?" - Luke 12:1-7
(Nothing is hidden that will not be made known: this could be interpreted in different ways. In these paragraphs, JESUS refers to the courageous testimony of faith. We have to speak the truth without worrying about what people will think of us. Here hypocrisy is attributed to those who are always trying to be diplomatic, and whose primary concern is not to lose friends.
Do not fear: We are cowards and JESUS is aware of this. HE has already said, "Do not fear," when HE invited us not to look for security in money. Now, dealing with the fear of repression, HE adds, "If you cannot free yourselves from cowardice, consider where the greater threat comes from, from GOD or people?"
This is the only time JESUS refers to "fear of GOD." When the Old Testament mentioned fear of GOD, it generally meant giving due respect to GOD. Respect is far from fear. Respect is an attitude proper to a free person. GOD does not threaten to throw us into hell; rather HE reminds us that to lose HIM is to lose ourselves also, and this is hell.)
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