Matthew 18:13 - If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
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What does "Matthew 18:13" mean?
This verse is part of the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18:12-14. It illustrates God's immense love and concern for each individual, especially those who are lost or have strayed. Let's break it down:
"If he finds it": This refers to a shepherd who has a hundred sheep and loses one.
"most certainly I tell you": This is a common phrase Jesus uses to emphasize the truth and importance of what he is about to say.
"he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.": This is the key point. It doesn't mean the shepherd values the lost sheep more than the others. Rather, the joy he experiences upon finding the lost sheep is greater than the contentment he feels for the ninety-nine who were safe all along. This is because finding the lost sheep means preventing potential harm or death, and restoring it to the safety of the flock.
Therefore, the meaning of the verse is:
God's love and concern for those who are lost (spiritually or otherwise) are so great that finding and bringing them back to safety brings immense joy. This joy is not necessarily that the lost is more valuable than those who haven't strayed, but the relief and happiness that comes from rescuing someone from danger or a bad path is overwhelming.
In the context of the whole parable, the verse teaches:
God actively seeks out those who are lost. The shepherd doesn't just give up on the lost sheep; he actively searches for it.
God values each individual. Every sheep matters to the shepherd, just as every person matters to God.
God rejoices when the lost are found. The return of someone to faith or a better path brings great joy to God and the Christian community.
This parable is a counter to any sense of self-righteousness or judgment. It is a call to actively seek and welcome those who have strayed, rather than condemning them. We should be happy when someone turns back to God, not resentful.
In short, it's about God's active, joyful, and individual love and concern for those who have gone astray. He will seek them out, and His joy upon their return is immense. It's also a call for us to have the same attitude.
Matthew 18:13 - If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
What does "Matthew 18:13" mean?
This verse is part of the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18:12-14. It illustrates God's immense love and concern for each individual, especially those who are lost or have strayed. Let's break it down:
"If he finds it": This refers to a shepherd who has a hundred sheep and loses one.
"most certainly I tell you": This is a common phrase Jesus uses to emphasize the truth and importance of what he is about to say.
"he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.": This is the key point. It doesn't mean the shepherd values the lost sheep more than the others. Rather, the joy he experiences upon finding the lost sheep is greater than the contentment he feels for the ninety-nine who were safe all along. This is because finding the lost sheep means preventing potential harm or death, and restoring it to the safety of the flock.
Therefore, the meaning of the verse is:
God's love and concern for those who are lost (spiritually or otherwise) are so great that finding and bringing them back to safety brings immense joy. This joy is not necessarily that the lost is more valuable than those who haven't strayed, but the relief and happiness that comes from rescuing someone from danger or a bad path is overwhelming.
In the context of the whole parable, the verse teaches:
God actively seeks out those who are lost. The shepherd doesn't just give up on the lost sheep; he actively searches for it.
God values each individual. Every sheep matters to the shepherd, just as every person matters to God.
God rejoices when the lost are found. The return of someone to faith or a better path brings great joy to God and the Christian community.
This parable is a counter to any sense of self-righteousness or judgment. It is a call to actively seek and welcome those who have strayed, rather than condemning them. We should be happy when someone turns back to God, not resentful.
In short, it's about God's active, joyful, and individual love and concern for those who have gone astray. He will seek them out, and His joy upon their return is immense. It's also a call for us to have the same attitude.