| Matthew 10:31 – “So don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds.” |
We measure worth in countless ways, evaluating if something is truly worth our time and money. Every moment of our lives is a precious commodity, exchanged for the possessions we acquire. But what about a lowly penny? Would you even bother to bend down and pick it up from the ground?
Once upon a time, a penny could buy a simple gumball from a vending machine. However, due to the relentless force of inflation, that same gumball now costs a quarter. Hardly worth a quarter, but undeniably worth a penny. Yet, many of us deem it unworthy of our energy to stoop down and retrieve a penny that seemingly offers us nothing in return.
This brings us to Annie Dillard’s thought-provoking question: does a penny hold any value? She recounts a childhood memory where she would discover a shiny new penny and cleverly conceal it in the nook of a tree. With chalk in hand, she would then draw arrows and leave clues for others to embark on an exciting treasure hunt. Such a small coin held immense significance in the eyes of a child.
But as she grew older, Dillard realized that most people simply didn’t care about a mere penny. It became an afterthought, easily dismissed and forgotten.
Interestingly, the Bible presents a contrasting perspective on the value of a penny. When Jesus spoke about worry, he referred to the lowest denomination of currency available – what we would consider a penny. He used it as a point of comparison, saying, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29). Despite their seemingly insignificant worth, the Father still took notice of every sparrow.
In Luke 15, a chapter often overshadowed by the famous parable of the prodigal son, there lies a prelude. It tells the story of a woman who possessed ten coins but lost one. Economically speaking, it was a trivial loss. However, Jesus emphasizes that she diligently searched her entire house to find that one missing coin.
These examples demonstrate how Jesus perceived worth. He was always on the lookout for the seemingly inconsequential. He peered into a tree to find Zaccheus, stopped at the tax collector’s booth to find Matthew, and even touched the leper’s skin as he healed him.
Perhaps, it is time for us to recalibrate our spiritual economy, for there are no pennies to be overlooked. Just as God sees the true value in each sparrow, he sees the immeasurable worth in you.
Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
