Context / meaning
Matthew 10 [24.] “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,[c] how much more those of his household! Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. [d]
Matthew 10 [29.] “Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin?[e] Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will, but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 10 [34.] “Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s foes will be those of his own household.[f] He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me. He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me. He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward.”
Footnotes:
c. Matthew 10:25 Literally, Lord of the Flies, or the devil.
d. Matthew 10:28 or, Hell.
e. Matthew 10:29 An assarion is a small coin worth one tenth of a drachma or a sixteenth of a denarius. An assarion is approximately the wages of one half hour of agricultural labor.
f. Matthew 10:36 Micah 7:6.
Meaning
In Matthew 10, Jesus is sending out His twelve disciples to proclaim the message of the kingdom of heaven. He warns them about the challenges and opposition they will face, even from close relatives. In the midst of these instructions, Jesus comforts them by emphasizing God's care and sovereignty.
- Key Points:
Sparrows and God's Providence: Jesus draws attention to sparrows, which were among the smallest and least valuable birds in the culture. He states that not one of them falls to the ground apart from God's will, highlighting God's providential care even for the seemingly insignificant creatures.
Numbered Hairs: Jesus goes a step further, illustrating God's intimate knowledge and care. He says that even the hairs on one's head are all numbered, emphasizing the depth of God's knowledge and His attention to detail.
Value of Believers: In verse 31, Jesus reassures His disciples, emphasizing that they are of more value than many sparrows. He acknowledges the worth and significance of His followers in the eyes of God.
- Significance:
God's Care: This passage underscores the idea that God cares for every aspect of His creation, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. His providence extends to even the smallest details of life.
Intimacy with God: Jesus' mention of the numbered hairs on one's head emphasizes the intimate knowledge and relationship believers have with God. He knows them intimately and cares for them personally.
Value and Worth: By stating that believers are of more value than sparrows, Jesus emphasizes the inherent worth and significance of every individual in the eyes of God.
- Application:
Trust in God's Care: Believers can trust in God's care for every aspect of their lives, knowing that He is intimately involved in their well-being.
Freedom from Fear: Understanding God's care and sovereignty can help believers overcome fear and anxiety. Jesus encourages His disciples not to be afraid.
Awareness of Worth: This passage reminds believers of their worth in God's eyes. They are valuable and loved by their heavenly Father.
Cross-References:
Psalm 104:27-28: "These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season. You give to them; they gather. You open your hand; they are satisfied with good."
Luke 12:6-7: "Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows."
Matthew 10:29-31 conveys a powerful message about God's care and providence. It reminds believers that God's care extends to even the smallest details of their lives, emphasizing His intimate knowledge and deep concern for each individual. By highlighting the worth and value of believers in God's eyes, Jesus encourages trust, freedom from fear, and a profound awareness of their significance in the kingdom of God.
Matthew 10:29-31. “Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will, but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.”
money - selling