<p>10:31 <em>Therefore fear not</em>- The Lord is asking a lot here; He&rsquo;s asking for us to preach without fear of consequence and audience reaction. That is a step beyond preaching knowing the likely price, and being willing to pay that price. To know that price and yet preach without fear is a step beyond being willing to accept consequence.</p>
<p><em>You are of more value than many sparrows</em>- The same word is used in the same context in Mt. 6:26. Having spoken of how God provides for the birds of the air, the Lord drives home the comparison: &ldquo;Are you not much better [s.w. &ldquo;of more value&rdquo;] than them?&rdquo;. The term is again used in Mt. 12:12: &ldquo;How much then is a man better than a sheep&rdquo;. We must give full weight to this triple emphasis on how much more valuable we are than the mortal animals whom God is so careful for. The request that we do not fear is repeated and laboured throughout the section. It is fear of what others think and may do which so often holds us back from witness, be it to family members or literally approaching people on the street. With such laboured assurances, we are to overcome fear and &ldquo;therefore&rdquo; preach openly- this is the force of the &ldquo;therefore&rdquo; in :32.</p>