Devotionals

Feathery Provision

by Anne Adams
06/03/26
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Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care…^.So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29, 31 NIV

Throughout history what people ate was often quite different from today since usually your income and social status determined your diet.

So though we probably find it strange, Jesus’ reference to sparrows was familiar to his audience. That was because at that time sparrows were a cheap and readily available part of the diet. They were nourishing, acceptable to Jewish diet regulations, and indeed sold two for a penny. They could be prepared in various ways, being boiled, roasted or in a stew. Hunters caught these plentiful birds in nets or traps – and thus they, according to one source) “…served as a crucial, albeit small source of protein.”

So when Jesus referred to sparrows, his point was that if God was concerned about a small insignificant creature, then he was far more concerned about his children who were of far more value.

Reassuring to be sure – not only for the disciples but of course for us.  Yet sometimes we do tend to wonder about it, particularly when we’re struggling with something difficult. We might think - does God even care about me and my challenges? It’s as if we think that with so many people in the world then the Almighty God somehow can’t know – or care - about what’s going on in our lives.

It’s so much simpler and logical to take Jesus at his word and think about his point. If God knows and is concerned about an inconsequential little bird, then how much more does he know me and my struggles since I am “worth more than many sparrows?” Also, he tells me not to be afraid because he will provide what I need. And that’s enough for me - for his glory and my benefit.