“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
My Summary & Reflection
Jesus notes, in financial terms, that the cost of sparrows is a very small amount of money but that God takes note of every single fallen sparrow. He then says to his disciples that God knows even the number of hairs on each of their heads. He explains that therefore, they should not fear because they are worth more than many sparrows.
This comparison was provided to the disciples as Jesus was providing them his charge that they go out to teach his gospel. His intent seems to be to share with them their importance in God’s eyes, so as to dispel any fear that they might have in completing their missions. Jesus shared with his disciples that God not only is aware of you, but that He knows you thoroughly and personally and cares about you. He’s saying that God is watching out for you.
Now, Jesus was clear that this did not mean that no physical harm would come to the disciples. He made clear that the mission to which they had been assigned was a dangerous one. But instead, what he was saying was that no matter what happened to their bodies, as they completed God’s work to which they were assigned, they would receive the reward of eternal life that God had promised. God would provide for their souls. Jesus tells his disciples to “…fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul…” Matthew 10:28.
This passage is saying: God knows you; God loves you; and as long as you are serving His will, you have nothing to fear. Go out and serve confidently, because you have Jesus’ assurance that God will provide for your soul. Jesus says that, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32. So,whatever it is that God has assigned to us, be it building, creating, sharing, educating, loving, nurturing, healing, or the many varied duties that each of us is given, we should do them with the confidence that God’s loving watchfulness is over us, so we have nothing to fear.
Your Reflection
- How has fear stopped you from completing God’s work?
- When you examine your fear, what is it that you are afraid of and why?
- Does knowing of God’s watchful protection for your soul ease your fear?