How you guys figga wat one farma guy goin do? If he get hundred sheeps, an one sheep stay lost, he goin let da ninety-nine odda sheeps stay ova dea by demself on top da hill, an go look fo da one sheep dat stay lost, yeah? An I tell you dis too: wen he find um, he feel mo good inside fo da one sheep he wen find, den fo da ninety-nine sheeps dat neva get lost. [Me, I Da Guy Dass fo Real. I wen come fo take da guys dat stay lost outa da bad kine stuff dey doing.]
What Does This Mean?
This verse is from Jesus himself, explaining that he came to save those who have strayed or lost their way spiritually. It emphasizes his mission of rescue and restoration.
Explained for Children
Imagine you lose a favorite toy, and your mom or dad searches everywhere until they find it and bring it back home. That's like what Jesus does for people who are lost and need help to come back to God.
Historical Background
This verse is from the Gospel of Matthew, written by one of Jesus' disciples around 80-90 AD. It was aimed at early Christian communities in a Jewish context, highlighting Jesus’ mission as a savior for all who were spiritually lost.
Living It Out Today
Consider someone who has fallen into addiction or made significant mistakes in life. This verse encourages us to view them with compassion and understand that there is always hope of redemption through Christ's saving work.
Topics
salvationredemptioncompassionhopemission of Jesusforgiveness
The term 'Son of man' refers to Jesus himself. He used this title often to emphasize his human identity and divine mission.
What can we learn about compassion from Matthew 18:11?
We are encouraged to have compassionate hearts like Jesus, recognizing that everyone has the potential for redemption and should be treated with love and understanding.