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When we read the Bible, we often think about great heroes like Moses, Abraham, Mary, or Paul. We can learn so much from the Bible’s main characters, but Jesus reminds us that we also have a lot to learn from the animals in the Bible—like birds.

It’s surprising how much bird imagery can be found in the Bible. God’s Spirit hovers over the waters of creation like a bird. Noah sends a raven and a dove out of the ark to discover dry land. The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus at His baptism in the form of a dove.

In Matthew 6:26, Jesus says, “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” So let’s do what Jesus says and “look at the birds” in the Bible.

Birds are sometimes used in judgment against those who are unfaithful to God. We see this in First and Second Kings when birds descend on unrighteous rulers and their descendants. Then Isaiah uses birds to symbolize the foreign armies who were used by God to punish His people. And in Revelation, birds consume the army that rises up against Jesus, the King of kings.

Birds in the Bible sometimes represent judgment, but at other times they illustrate God’s protection. When Jesus looked at Jerusalem, He wept because the people had rejected God. He wanted to protect them like a mother hen, but they would not let Him. Jesus’ words pick up on similar themes in the Old Testament, where God describes himself as protecting Israel like a bird protects its babies.

Finally, birds remind us to trust God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus used the birds flying around as an object lesson. Birds don’t grow their own food or store anything away for the winter. Instead, they trust that God will feed them. And He does. Since God cares for us so much more, we can trust Him too.

Why not spend a few minutes looking at the birds this week? Maybe you could visit a bird sanctuary or zoo like this one—or you might just look out your window! Watching these creatures can teach us a lot about ourselves and about God. As much as God loves and cares for all His creation, Jesus says we are far more valuable to Him. He knows what we need, and He delights to provide for us.