The Charge Not to Fear

The second half of matthew, chapter ten, continues the themes of the first faithful followers of christ should expect to suffer persecution on account of their association with him. The charge not to fear also introduces the command to declare openly what christ has declared in private. Persecution is part of the harvest process by which wheat and chaff are revealed for what they are,. It's an essential aspect of their mission. If we confess christ before men, he will confess us before his father in heaven. And if god notices even the falling sparrow, how much more will he notice his children who lay down their lives in his service?