[222 words]
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
The term “sparrow” is the name given to several different species of birds in the Bible. Like our barn sparrows, these birds would often build their nests on the eaves of houses and barns. Interestingly, they were not driven away when they built their nests in the Temple (Psalms 84:3). These insignificant little birds were sold for a very low price—two of them for a copper coin (Matthew 10:29). A copper coin, translated as a “penny” in some texts, was a very small Roman coin worth about 1/16 of a silver denarius … a very small sum.
The point of Matthew 10 is not to be missed. If God is concerned about the tiny sparrow and knows all about each little bird, how much greater must His concern be for you and me! We are immeasurably greater in value than a sparrow! Jesus teaches us this profound truth – in God’s eyes, no one is insignificant! You are worth more to Him than all the treasures of the world! (Matthew 16:26).
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX