The Birds of Heaven
In Matthew 6:26, Jesus points to the birds of the air as an example of God's care, saying:
> "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (▸ ± Matthew 6:26)
Sensus Plenior Interpretation
1. The Birds as Men
In this context, birds symbolize men, who live by the Spirit. Birds are free to fly through the air, just as men are called to live by the breath of the Spirit. The birds do not toil or worry about their provision, reflecting how humans, too, are meant to live in trust of God's provision.
2. The Air as Spirit
The air in this passage symbolizes the Spirit, which sustains both the birds and humanity. Just as the birds rely on the air to fly, men are sustained by the Spirit, which empowers them to live and thrive. This shows that life is sustained not by material wealth or human effort, but by God's provision through the Spirit.
3. Jesus' Reassurance to Himself
Given that Jesus was fully human, this passage also reflects a moment of self-assurance for Him. In facing His coming sacrifice, Jesus expresses His trust in God's provision. The birds, which are not concerned with worldly worries like sowing or reaping, represent the way Jesus Himself must trust that the Father will provide, especially in moments of uncertainty. The birds are also a reminder to Jesus that His purpose, like theirs, is to live according to the Spirit, even if that means walking through trials and suffering.
Summary
- Birds = Men: Birds in the dietary law are a symbol men with various character traits.
- Air = Spirit: The Spirit sustains all life and is the true source of provision.
- Jesus' Assurance: Jesus uses the example of the birds to remind Himself that, like the birds, He can trust in God's provision for His life, even in the midst of uncertainty about His future suffering.
Thus, Matthew 6:26 becomes not just a general teaching on trust, but a personal moment of reassurance for Jesus, as He faces the approaching crucifixion, reminding Himself of God's care and provision.
