Value of Life

In the contemporary age, we don’t exactly put a value on one’s life, although we figuratively say, “S/he is worth 100 million dollars,” referring to one’s wealth. But in ancient times, when slavery was common, people’s lives had values. Healthy, young, and able-bodied men were much more valuable than older men. Similarly, beautiful young women were much more valuable than older women. I know it sounds horrible to think that once people put a price tag on others, but sadly, they did.

Within such a culture, the Lord gave an illustration that began with an exhortation:

“I tell you, my friends: Don’t fear those who can kill the body, and after that, they can’t do anything else to you . . . Aren’t five little birds sold for two assaria? Yet not one of them is not forgotten by God . . . Don’t be afraid – you are far much more valuable than many little birds.” (Luke 12:4–7)

In the same slave markets where slave owners actioned off slaves, the merchants also sold little birds – five for two assaria (plural of assarion). One assarion was 1/16th of a denarius, a person’s day wage. With two assaria, a person can buy five little birds, most likely for them to cook and eat. In contrast, at that same marketplace, slave buyers paid hundreds and thousands of denarii for the men and women that they bought as slaves. The value of the little birds and the people was incomparable; the people’s value was significantly higher than that of the little birds. Yet, not one of those little birds was forgotten by God. He knew each of them, how much they were sold for, and what happened to them – did people cook, cage, or free them?

Since the disciples’ lives were much more valuable to God, he would remember exactly what happened to them. As such, they shouldn’t be afraid of who might buy, snatch, sell, or take their lives! They were far more valuable than many little birds.

The Lord Jesus added a second imagery.

“Every hair on your head is counted. Don’t fear.” (Luke 12:7)

One of my teachers saw me balding and said to me, “God has an easier time counting some people’s hairs than others.” That’s so true. Nevertheless, Jesus reminded his disciples God knew how many hairs they had on their heads. That was detailed information. The same teacher also said another time, “God has to be near one person to count his/her hair.” If God was nearer to the disciples to count their hair, they had nothing to fear.

The same exhortation applies to us – we are far more valuable than small birds that accidentally fly into a windshield or glass window and die. And God knows how many hairs we have or not have! As such, we have nothing or no one to fear in this life! Our lives are precious to God.