Luke 12:6

Luke 12:6, in plain English

Five sparrows cost almost nothing -- two pennies. They're the cheapest, most overlooked creatures. Yet God doesn't forget a single one. If He cares about sparrows, how much more does He care about you?

Why it's here

Jesus moves from talking about God's power to talking about God's tenderness. The same God who judges eternity is the God who watches over the smallest bird.

Who's speaking

Jesus comforts His disciples with one of the most beautiful images of God's care in all of Scripture.

Where it sits in the story

After the heavy talk about fear and judgment, Jesus wraps His disciples in comfort. You matter infinitely more than sparrows, and God hasn't forgotten even one of them.

The scholarly reading

Five sparrows (strouthia) sold for two assaria (pennies) -- the cheapest creatures in the marketplace, yet not one is epilelēsmenon (forgotten) before God. The argument moves from God's sovereign power to His intimate care for the insignificant.

Language and setting

In Matthew's parallel, two sparrows cost one assarion; Luke's five for two assaria suggests a bulk discount, making the fifth sparrow essentially worthless. Yet even this forgotten bird has God's attention.

Voice

Jesus uses the humble sparrow to illustrate God's meticulous awareness of all His creation.

Significance

After teaching about God's awesome power, Jesus pivots to God's tender care. The God who holds eternity also notices every sparrow. Power and gentleness meet in the same God.

4I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!

6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

7And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

8I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God.

Read all of Luke 12 — Sparrows, barns, and a thief in the night — Jesus teaches his followers to stop hoarding and start trusting. Worry is the opposite of faith.