More value than many sparrows

Some of us think more highly of ourselves than we should.

For I [Paul] say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3

Some of us may feel that we're nobodies.

I [Paul] have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. 2 Corinthians 12:11

If you've ever sinned a sin that you thought there was no returning from, you may believe that you are the chief of sinners.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I [Paul] am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

All of these are true in their proper contexts within the whole counsel of Scripture. Acts 20:26-27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

But here's another truth that is for now and forever --

Jesus said that you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31

In His time on earth, 2 sparrows (or 1) were sold in markets for about 1/16 of a laborer's daily wage according to some Bibles. Matthew 10:29

Other Bibles say that they were sold for a penny, which implies 1 cent or very cheap.

Others say a Roman copper coin and commentary notes may state that sparrows, these tiny birds, were the cheapest thing sold in the stores back then.

But in today's labor market, if someone's hourly wage is $20 and they work for 8 hours per day, that equals $160 for the daily wage.

One-sixteenth of that would be $10 for either 1 sparrow or 2.

There wouldn't be a lot of food from these small birds.

That doesn't sound cheap when compared to other meats in stores today.

It may be if one were to study various Bible translations, they could conclude that Jesus might have been communicating this in the following biblical fiction --

"Even though sparrows are small in size, they DO HAVE VALUE because a small bird that costs $5 or $10 wouldn't give the buyer much meat for that price.

You look at their size and think that they can't be worth much but their market price, which is pretty high for what you get, actually states that these are valuable birds, a delicacy to eat, which is why the price is high.

Similarly, you may look at the clothing of others and their appearance, and judge that they aren't worth much.

But I tell you, the Father doesn't judge according to outward appearance. 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

And you shouldn't either. James 2:1-5

Someone's size or the way they talk 2 Corinthians 10:10 does NOT determine their value in the Father's sight.

Not one of the sparrows will fall to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Matthew 10:29

Even the hairs of your head are all numbered by Him. Matthew 10:30

Be happy that you are of more value than MANY of these small birds in My sight and the Father's." Matthew 10:31

If people at that time thought that they were unimportant or were horrible sinners, Jesus let them know that they were STILL of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31

When unpleasant circumstances, hurtful words, disappointments, and other hardships invade our space, we might remind ourselves,

"Hey, the Lord said that I'm of MORE VALUE than MANY small but expensive birds!"

It may not seem like much, but when we've been knocked down, this confession of our worth in Jesus' eyes may be enough to stabilize us.

Link this with Paul's word to Timothy, "Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," 2 Timothy 2:3 and we're on our way to rise again.

When I fall, I shall arise. Micah 7:8

Your thoughts?

R. Jason