(Source from The Word Among Us)

You are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to the twelve apostles as they prepare to go out and preach the good news. He’s urging them to take courage and to trust in their heavenly Father’s care. His words would help them as they began their missionary expedition but would also help them for the rest of their lives. Although they might face suffering or rejection, they could draw strength from remembering that they are “worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).

The disciples probably had to cling to these words often as they went forth to witness. Not everyone accepted their preaching, and they couldn’t work miracles as consistently as Jesus had (Matthew 17:16-20). But it didn’t matter because their worth came not from what they did but rather from who they were: children of God. They could rely on their Father’s care for them no matter what. They could trust that his love wasn’t based on their success or accomplishments. It was based on the fact that he had created them in his image and likeness. He loved them, eternally, simply because he is love.

Jesus speaks these words to you today: You are worth more than many sparrows. The same Father in heaven who cared for those disciples cares for you. He sees your every joy and every difficulty and loves you through all of them. He even loves you when you stumble! He rejoices when you witness to his goodness and delights when you care for your family. He values you when you are confined to bed and all you can do is offer him your pain. He sees it all. He loves you, not because of what you do, but because of who you are.

You are more than the sum of your successes and failures. You are a beloved child of your Father in heaven—you are worth more than many sparrows.

“I trust in you, Jesus, because you care for me.”