Matthew 18:13
“And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.”
In this parable, Jesus uses the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep to convey important spiritual truths. Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning.
“And if so be that he find it”: This phrase refers to the shepherd’s diligent search for the one lost sheep. It emphasizes the shepherd’s determination and care for even a single lost sheep. It portrays the shepherd’s active role in seeking and rescuing the lost.
“Verily I say unto you”: This is a common phrase used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of His statement. When Jesus says “verily” or “truly,” He is drawing attention to the significance of what He is about to say.
“He rejoiceth more of that sheep”: Here, Jesus conveys the shepherd’s joy upon finding the lost sheep. The shepherd’s joy is not diminished because one sheep went astray; rather, it is magnified because of the sheep’s return. The shepherd’s love for the lost sheep is evident through his overwhelming joy at its recovery.
“Than of the ninety and nine which went not astray”: This part highlights the shepherd’s special concern for the one lost sheep. Despite having a flock of ninety-nine sheep that did not go astray, the shepherd’s focus is on the restoration and rescue of the one that went astray. Jesus emphasizes the value He places on every individual, highlighting God’s heart for those who are lost.
Overall, Matthew 18:13 emphasizes the compassion, determination, and joy of God when a lost soul is found and restored. It reveals God’s immense love for each individual, even amidst a multitude. Just as a shepherd seeks and rejoices over one lost sheep, so God seeks and rejoices over every lost person who repents and turns to Him.
This parable also encourages believers to share in God’s heart for the lost and to actively engage in seeking and rescuing those who have strayed away from God’s fold. It reminds us of the immense value God places on each person and the lengths He is willing to go to bring them back into His loving care.
By studying this verse, we can deepen our understanding of God’s love, His desire to rescue the lost, and our responsibility to share in His mission.
