Matthew 10:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

NIV: So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

NASB: So do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.

CSB: So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

NLT: So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

KJV: Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

NKJV: Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Jesus has been telling His apostles both that they will face terrible persecution as they preach His message to the world and that they should not be afraid (Matthew 10:22–28). One reason they should not fear is that their powerful Father, God, knows them, is paying attention to them, and cares about them. God knows when even a single sparrow falls, despite that sparrows seem to be of so little value. Now Christ tells His disciples not to be afraid: they are clearly more precious to God than birds are.

It's important to notice that Jesus never promises His disciples will avoid suffering, or even death, for preaching the good news about Him to the world. In fact, they are given explicit warnings that persecution will come (John 16:1–3). Jesus' point is that the same God who notices when a sparrow dies will be paying attention to the struggles of His people. He will see, as well, when they die, and He will be ready to welcome them into eternity. Hardships are not a sign that God has forgotten us—they are moments to remember that He knows and is in control.

Matthew 10:26–33 continues Jesus' encouragement, as He sends the Twelve out with His authority. He commands the apostles to proclaim far and wide what He whispers to them now. Persecution will come to them, but they must not be afraid. Their enemies can only kill their bodies. They should fear God, instead, and understand that their Father cares for them. He will see if they fall. Jesus declares that He, too, will acknowledge to His Father everyone who acknowledges Him to others. Those who deny His identity as God's Son, however, He will also deny.

Jesus gives His authority over disease, demons, and even death to His twelve hand-picked apostles. He gives them instructions in preparation both for a short-term trip to the towns of Galilee and their ministry after He has left the earth. First, they will preach His message of the kingdom in Israelite towns as they heal and cast out demons to demonstrate His power. Later, they will suffer great persecution as they represent Him before both Jews and Gentiles. They should not be afraid, though, and trust their Father to be with them and to reward them.

Jesus has recently expressed compassion for the people of Israel, who are spiritually lost. Matthew 10 is a record of Jesus' instructions to His twelve core apostles, as He sends them on a short-term trip to the towns of Galilee. He also includes warnings and encouragements about the persecution they will eventually experience. In chapter 11, Jesus will continue to proclaim truth to the people of Israel, leading to further conflict with local religious leaders.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 5/7/2024 12:44:40 AM