Luke 12:6-7
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)
We’ve heard these verses many times, and while comforting, sometimes the commentary can seem repetitive. That’s why I enjoyed reading Pastor James C. Ward’s spin on them. He is a Baptist preacher from Georgia.
“We can associate our moods and aspirations with birds. Sometimes after a successful endeavor, we feel like a powerful eagle. Sometimes when we are dressed to a tee, we strut like a handsome peacock or glide like a stately swan. When we impart words to de-escalate a touchy situation and resolve imminent conflict, we feel like a wise old owl. Then there are other times when we feel like an itsy-bitsy sparrow. When we feel we are not good enough, or do not measure up to our own standards, or up to the standards of others. There are times when we feel we are not up to the task at hand.
I remember a young lady in a bible class in which we were studying this text. She said, ‘I wonder if those little sparrows have feelings. Most of the time I feel like a sparrow, small and insignificant. I wonder if sparrows compare themselves to eagles and other magnificent birds.’ (She was born with severe, debilitating birth defects.) ‘I am a burden to my family and I don’t like that. I am that fallen sparrow. I have to read this scripture all the time and recite the words of Jesus to keep my spirits up. I know I am worth something, but a lot of times I don’t feel like it. It seems like this scripture is in the Bible just for me. I have to concentrate more on the reassurance of Jesus and less on the attributes of sparrows.’
In the New Testament era, sparrow had come to mean any small bird sold very cheaply and used for food by the poor. They would be trapped, plucked, and tied in a bundle for sale. Thus, the sparrow was understood as an example of an article with little value. Jesus uses the diminutive form of a sparrow while speaking of God’s concern for persons. According to Jesus, even that which has little earthly value is within the pale of God’s care.
Some say perhaps Jesus saw a flock of sparrows and used this real-life word picture as a way to enhance His teachings. Others say Jesus alluded to an aphorism that was common during that time. ‘When the eagles soar, the wise sparrows hide in the shadows. When the storms rage, they take cover in the thorns.’ In common terms, it meant when the big shots show up, the little people must get out of the way. However, Jesus was saying God cares for everyone in a mighty way. You may not be a big shot, according to cultural standards, but you are immensely important to God. The hairs on your head are numbered. Not just counted, but numbered!
We are like sparrows in some ways and unlike sparrows in other ways. Let’s explore as we exegete these scriptures.
How are we like sparrows?
1. Like sparrows, we sometimes feel so small in such a big threatening world.
2. Like sparrows, we sometimes feel helpless before the strong winds of life.
3. Like sparrows, we sometimes feel we are incapable of maintaining what we have already attained.
4. Like sparrows, we sometimes seem so common as to be comparatively of little worth.
How are we different from sparrows?
5. Unlike sparrows, we are the crown of God’s creation.
6. Unlike sparrows, we have a soul worth saving.
7. Unlike sparrows, God loves us more than the other creatures.
Closing Thoughts
How comforting and encouraging it is to know that God’s loving interest extends to His smallest creatures. Without His consent, not one sparrow falls, whether struck by a stone or attacked by a larger bird of prey. It is reassuring to know He cares even more about us. God watches over us better than we can watch over ourselves.”
Copyright © 2021 By James C. Ward
All Rights Reserved
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the times I feel like a handsome peacock, stately swan, or wise old owl. But when I feel like a tiny sparrow, remind me of my worth. Help me to remember that every detail and circumstance, even the hairs on my head or the hardships I’m facing, are overseen by you. Thank you for your great care. Amen.
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