«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).
HOW MANY SPARROWS CAN I GET FOR A COPPER COIN?» a buyer asks. «Two,» the salesman replies, «but I’ll give you five for two copper coins. You get one free.»
This haggling is typical of a public marketplace, and it is the idea that results when we compare today’s Bible verse, found in Matthew, with Luke’s version of the Lords words. In Matthew we read, «Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?» (Matthew 10:29). In turn, Luke says, «Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?» (12:6). Without a doubt, whoever was willing to pay two copper coins would get a free sparrow.
Do the two Gospels contradict each other? Not at all. As William Barclay points out, it is very likely that Jesus used both versions of what was probably a popular saying in those days.
What is the important point of this story? We find it when reading the entire verse in Luke, «Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God» (Luke 12:6, emphasis added). To the seller, that fifth sparrow did not have any value; that was why he gave it away for free when they bought four instead of two. But Jesus says that not one of them is forgotten before God. Even the fifth sparrow was valuable to him!
«Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?» A copper coin was a Roman coin worth 1/16 of a denarius; and a denarius was a farmers daily wage. The obvious implication is that a sparrow was not worth very much in the marketplace; but that did not prevent it from being valuable to God. Therefore, how much more valuable are you and I to God! And to make sure there was no doubt of that, the Lord added, «you are of more value than many sparrows,»
What makes us so valuable to God? Certainly not our personal appearance, or achievements, or bank accounts. What makes us so valuable is the fact that we are his beloved children, so beloved, that Christ died for us on the cross to give us eternal life.
Isn’t that great news? In fact, isn’t it the best news to begin a new day?
Thank You, heavenly Father, for considering us a treasure of great value.
Help us today to live according to our dignity as Your children, and as princes and princesses of Your kingdom.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
