“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.”– Matthew 18:13 (KJV)
“And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not wander away.”– Matthew 18:13 (NLT)
“And if he finds it, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.”– Matthew 18:13 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 18:13 Mean?
This verse speaks about the intense love and commitment that God has for each one of us. The shepherd in this story represents Jesus, and the sheep signify people who may feel lost or alone. The image of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep to search for one lost sheep shows how valuable each person is to God. It illustrates God’s unyielding nature to pursue every individual who strays from His path. In our lives, we can sometimes feel overlooked, but this verse reinforces that God cares deeply for us as unique individuals. His heart breaks for each lost soul, and He seeks to bring us back into the fold.
This shows that the joy of finding one lost person outweighs the good that is found in many who do not stray. The emphasis here is on the personal relationship between God and each individual, where we understand that He rejoices at our return no matter how far we have strayed. God’s love is like a shepherd who leaves the safety of the group to seek out the one who is lost or in need of help, reminding us of the worth we hold in His eyes.
Matthew 18:13 Explanation and Commentary
To truly appreciate the depth of Matthew 18:13, it’s important to consider its background. Jesus was addressing His followers, teaching them about the nature of humility and the importance of valuing each person. In that time, shepherds were often seen as lowly figures, yet here, Jesus uses the idea of a shepherd to depict God’s character. This is significant because it tells us that even the least of us have immense value in God’s eyes. It sends a clear message that God’s love breaks societal barriers and reaches out to all.
Furthermore, Jesus is expressing how Heaven rejoices over a sinner who repents and returns to God. This concept relates to the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The parable illustrates the joy that comes when someone who has wandered returns home. Both stories highlight the immense love and joy found in reconciliation. God desires that everyone finds their way back to Him, and when we do, there is a celebration in Heaven. It shows us that our mistakes do not disqualify us from being loved and cherished by Him.
This verse may pose questions for us. We might ask ourselves whether we value others in the same way God does or if we have allowed society to dictate our view of worth. When we look at individuals as God looks at them, we begin to foster compassion, understanding, and kindness, viewing everyone as deserving of love and grace. It challenges us to remember that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and that He actively pursues each person, wanting them to return and find safety.
When we reflect on our lives, there may be times when we have felt lost, astray from God’s guidance. But here, there is hope. Just like the shepherd, God is always searching for us, ready to embrace us upon our return. The verse reminds us to lean on God during these times and trust in His goodness as we navigate challenges. He loves us so deeply that He Himself came to find us in our lostness.
Context of Matthew 18:13
To fully grasp the impact of Matthew 18:13, we must understand the broader context in which it appears. This verse is part of a larger discussion in Matthew 18, where Jesus teaches about humility and the value of children, emphasizing the importance of not leading others astray. In the verses preceding this, Jesus talks about how we must become like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Children in biblical times were often seen as innocent and dependent, and this symbolism is crucial to understanding how God views us.
In the earlier verses, Jesus also warns against causing others to stumble and stresses how we must take care of each other. The parable of the lost sheep that includes Matthew 18:13 can be viewed as an extension of this teaching. After acknowledging the worth of children, Jesus introduces the concept of the shepherd searching for the lost sheep, which emphasizes the personal nature of God’s love and care. This juxtaposition shows that while it is important not to lead others astray, God is equally concerned about those who go astray.
The cultural backdrop here also helps in understanding the significance of sheep in agrarian society. For a shepherd, each sheep represented not just a number but a relationship, reminding us of how God seeks to establish personal relationships with us. Each one of us is unique in His eyes, and He desires that we recognize our importance in His design.
Matthew 18:13 stands as a reassuring promise amid those teachings: that no matter how far we wander, God will pursue us. Our worth is not determined by our actions or our status but simply by the fact that we are beloved children of God.
This context ultimately provides a depth of understanding that helps us appreciate the heart of God towards His creation, leading us to act in love and understanding towards each other.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 18:13
In this verse, we have several key components that deserve attention. The “shepherd” represents Jesus Christ, highlighting His role as our protector and guide. He is known as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, where it states that He lays down His life for the sheep. This powerful imagery establishes the connection between Christ and His followers. The act of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep is significant because it demonstrates the unfathomable love He has for each of us. Even when we might feel insignificant among the crowd, we matter greatly to Him.
Additionally, the phrase “if so be that he find it” implies a deliberate search. God doesn’t just passively wait for us to return; He actively seeks us out. Similar to the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, where Jesus sought out a sinner among the crowd, we learn that God has an unrelenting desire for us to come home. We can take comfort in knowing that no matter how far we may have strayed, He is always searching for us, eager to guide us back into His loving arms.
Next, we see “he rejoiceth more of that sheep.” This part encapsulates the joy that God experiences when we turn back to Him. It’s a celebration of repentance. When we make the choice to change our ways, God rejoices because He cherishes our return. It speaks volumes of His love and forgiveness. We may struggle to forgive ourselves, but God does not take our return lightly. The joy He experiences becomes a whole-hearted reminder that we are welcomed back with open arms into His family.
The last part, “than of the ninety and nine which went not astray,” emphasizes the value of the one who was lost. It reminds us that God sees each of us uniquely and values our individuality. We might often get caught up in serving the crowd and forget the importance of each one and their needs. This verse calls us to remember the significance of valuing every individual and seeking to bring comfort and restoration to them.
Breaking down these parts highlights the depth of love God has for each of us, inviting us to reflect on our own journeys and the importance of coming home.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 18:13
Matthew 18:13 teaches us many valuable lessons about God’s love and our relationships with one another. One key lesson is the value of each person. This scripture underscores that God cares deeply for every one of us; no one is too lost for Him to reach. Each individual holds worth, even if society might overlook them.
Another lesson we can learn is the significance of pursuing those who feel lost. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate the heart of God, which means seeking out those who may have strayed from the truth or feel marginalized. This suggests that we carry an obligation to reflect God’s love in our interactions with others, actively seeking to invite them back into community and fellowship. If we take a moment to recognize the ones who need our attention and love, we can be instruments of God’s grace.
God’s joy in reconciling the lost teaches us the value of forgiveness and redemption. Each act of love and mercy strengthens our faith, reminding us that no matter our past, God is always ready to embrace us. This encourages us to forgive ourselves and others, knowing that God’s love can overcome all. It’s important for us to build a community of love and grace, where everyone is welcomed and valued. This sense of belonging fosters a robust environment where healing can take place.
This verse compels us to act humbly. Being aware of our own weaknesses allows us to empathize with others who may struggle, leading to growth in compassion. We must remember that we all have paths marked by mistakes and choices that led us away from God. Embracing this truth encourages patience, gentleness, and understanding towards those around us.
In our day-to-day lives, we can put these lessons into practice by being more attentive to the needs of others, reaching out with genuine kindness, and fostering relationships that reflect God’s love. The simple acts of kindness we perform could change a life. The assurance that God both seeks us individually and rejoices in our return inspires us to extend that same grace to others.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 18:13 resonates with the truth of God’s endless pursuit of us and sheds light on the profound love He holds for each of His children. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of our inherent worth in the eyes of God, urging us to embrace our unique identity and not shy away from turning back to Him when we feel lost. God is always on the lookout for us, ready to restore and celebrate our return.
Let us also strive to reflect this love to others who may feel disconnected or marginalized. By reaching out and expressing compassion to those around us, we align ourselves with God’s calling to seek the lost. There is joy in restoring relationships, whether with God or fellow human beings. In this way, we may join the heavenly chorus, rejoicing together over every heart that turns back to its rightful place.
As we journey forward in faith, let’s remember to take a moment and appreciate those who might feel lost among us. Having the heart of a shepherd can transform lives and build a community wrapped in love and restoration. We rejoice in the fact that we are all part of God’s flock, and as we have experienced His grace, we can share it generously with others.
If you want to learn more about God’s love and guidance, we invite you to explore different passages of the Bible. Start discovering more valuable lessons through this journey. You can check out passages like Matthew 11 for further insights on compassion and love, or dive into Genesis 18 and Genesis 19 for learning about God’s relationships with His people throughout history.