How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
What do you think about this? Say someone has a hundred sheep and one wanders off. Wouldn't they leave the ninety-nine safe ones and head up into the mountains to find the one that got lost?
You matter so much that you're worth the whole search party.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century, sheep herding was a common occupation in Israel, and Jesus often used everyday scenarios like this parable to teach profound spiritual truths to his followers. This verse is part of Jesus' teaching on humility and the value of every individual, as seen in the broader context of Matthew 18, where he addresses how to handle sin and restore those who wander. It draws from the cultural reality that shepherds in that era would go to great lengths to protect and recover their flock, illustrating God's character.
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