Why does Jesus share this illustration about sparrows? What is His point?
Matthew 10:29-31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:26 - 33
ESV - 26 So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked October 30 2021
•
Jack Gutknecht
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Tim Maas
Jesus was making the point that, although humans consider creatures such as sparrows to be small and insignificant, God is not only aware of each and every one of them, but also is involved with them to such an extent that not one of them falls to the ground (that is, dies) without His knowledge and permissive will. That being the case, humans -- whom (unlike sparrows) God made in His own image -- should take comfort from the fact that God is similarly aware of them (even to the extent of knowing the number of hairs on each of their heads), and cares for them. Therefore, although they should work to support themselves (as noted by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:10), they should not (as Jesus said) be anxious about how they will be fed or clothed, since God knows those needs.
Jack Gutknecht
God cares for His own (Mt. 10: 29–31). It did not cost much to purchase sparrows in the market. If we compare these verses with Luke 12:6, we discover that sparrows were so cheap that the dealer threw in an extra one! Yet the Father knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, and the Father is there. If God cares for sparrows in such a marvelous way, will He not also care for His own who are serving Him? He certainly will! To God, we are of greater value than many sparrows.
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. –Hymn by Civilla D. Martin (1905) -- https://hymnary.org/text/why_should_i_feel_discouraged
See Mt. 6:26: Are you not worth more than they are? If God provides for birds, He will surely take care of His people. ("Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?")
Faithlife Study Bible (FSB)
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible