Yeshua (Jesus) knew that the disciples and the generations to come after them would face times of intense persecution.  We know that His followers were indeed willing to die for their faith in Him.  Yet the numbers grew. 

Jesus encouraged His disciples by saying “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?” Perhaps He had in mind the pigeons and turtledoves that the poor brought for offerings in the Temple.  Archaeologists have uncovered numerous dovecotes from the second Temple period which pointed to a large pigeon and dove industry.  The Jewish people raised the birds primarily for food, a poor man’s meat.  But also, they used them as a peace offering in the Temple. 

No one regarded these birds as valuable.  Not like offering a lamb or goat.  Yet Jesus said of these lowly offerings, “Not one of them (sparrows) is forgotten before God.” (Luke 12:6) “Not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.”  (Matt.10:29)

“Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matt 6:26)  

The bird comparison does not guarantee invulnerability.  He did not say that the sparrow will not fall to the ground or that believers will not face tragedy and sorrow.  If God allows the birds to fall to the ground, He may also allow us the same. 

However, His words should bring comfort to us.  That God is mindful of us and the daily challenges we face, be it health, relationships, death.  

How we all wish we could have heard Him speak these words of comfort!  However, Jame’s letter to the Believers tells them not to be surprised that these things will come upon them. “Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing. “

Therefore, be assured that although we might feel like  sparrow or dove or that we can never live up  to what He expects of us……… He knows us and still loves us.    In fact, He told his disciples, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

We can be assured that everything is under His control.   Even those of us who are losing our hair!!