How much are you worth?

‘Aren’t five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one sparrow is forgotten by God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!’ (verses 6,7)

Read Luke 11:53 -12:12

Jesus is under attack from the religious leaders. They are threatening to capture and kill him. His disciples are fearful that they will share his fate. Jesus is trying to comfort them as he asks them to think about how much they are worth.

The rich ask among themselves, ‘How much are you worth?’ The assumption in the question is that a certain number of dollars establishes a person’s place and importance in the world. But does it? A better question is: To whom do you have value and worth? A workaholic, tyrannical, multi-millionaire businessman might be of no worth to his wife and children and those who work for him.

So how much are you worth to God? Jesus says that each person is worth much more than many sparrows to God. I’m sure he is smiling as he says it to his fearful followers. After all, he has informed them that God is watching over every sparrow. So he is telling them that they can be quite certain of God’s constant care and concern for them.

You can too.

Almighty God, all things are in your hands. Teach me to trust you at all times and in all things. Amen.

by John Vitale, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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