How Many Farthings for a Sparrow?

This is the first of many blog entries I will do on alleged contradictions or discrepancies in the Bible.

Are the New Testament Gospel writers confused about the cost of a sparrow?

MATTHEW 10:29-31

29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

LUKE 12:6-7

6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

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I bolded the two conflicting phrases. Okay? Do we have a contradiction here?

First, this is a pitiful contradiction for Bible critics to hang their hats on. As if somehow a difference between Luke and Matthew on the price of a sparrow (a negligible price difference at that) somehow undermines the entire credibility of the Bible and the Christian faith.

Second, this isn't even necessarily a contradiction. Matthew gives us the bottom-line price: Two (2) sparrows for a farthing. Luke says you can get five (5) sparrows for two (2) farthings. Basically, if you purchase four (4), the seller throws in an extra sparrow. Sounds like a deal to me.

Now, am I speculating? Yes, but it's a reasonable guess. It doesn't require any extraordinary mental gymnastics. It's logical. It fits. It makes sense. Can we not give the New Testament here the benefit of the doubt?