How does Luke 20:6 connect with Proverbs 29:25 about fear of man? Setting the Scene in Luke 20 • Jesus has just challenged the chief priests, scribes, and elders with the question, “Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men?” • Luke 20:6 records their dilemma: “But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet.” • Their calculation is driven by dread of public backlash rather than by a desire for truth. Defining the Fear of Man • Proverbs 29:25 names the issue plainly: “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Fear of man = living for human approval, popularity, or safety. • Snare = trap that restricts movement, prevents freedom, and ultimately destroys. How Luke 20:6 Illustrates the Snare The religious leaders: • Recognize the truth about John yet refuse to acknowledge it publicly. • Are caught between self-preservation and honesty, revealing hearts already ensnared. • Prefer the temporary safety of political maneuvering over the eternal security found in God. Parallels with Proverbs 29:25 • Luke’s account shows the proverb in action: a literal “snare” tightens the moment leaders weigh public opinion above divine revelation. • By contrast, trusting the Lord would have lifted them “securely on high,” granting courage to speak truth regardless of popular reaction. Consequences of Fear vs. Trust Fear of man • Compromises integrity (Luke 20:5-7). • Leads to spiritual blindness (John 12:42-43). • Results in disobedience (1 Samuel 15:24). Trust in the Lord • Produces bold obedience (Acts 5:29). • Sets believers free from public pressure (Galatians 1:10). • Brings God’s protection and honor (Psalm 27:1; 1 Peter 5:6-7). Living It Out Today • Identify situations where silence or compromise feels safer than truth. • Replace people-pleasing with a settled confidence in God’s approval (Matthew 10:28). • Cultivate a habit of immediate obedience, remembering that every fear-of-man moment is an invitation either to step into the snare or to rise “securely on high” through trust in the Lord. |
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