In the Bible, there is a powerful parable about a shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep to go in search of the one that was lost. This story illustrates the deep love and care that Jesus has for each and every one of us. The **Bible verse about Jesus leaving the 99** can be found in the book of Matthew 18:12-14, where Jesus says, “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
This story reminds us of the immense value that Jesus places on each and every one of us. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how lost or insignificant we may feel, Jesus will always leave the 99 to come and find us. This **Bible verse about Jesus leaving the 99** speaks to the incredible lengths that Jesus is willing to go to in order to bring back those who are lost. As believers, we can find comfort and hope in knowing that we are never alone or forgotten, no matter how far we may have strayed.
Challenging the Norm: Understanding the Bible Verse About Jesus Leaving The 99
When we think about the story of Jesus leaving the 99 to find the one lost sheep, it challenges our understanding of priorities and the value that God places on each individual. This powerful illustration from the New Testament can help us reflect on how we view and treat those who may be lost or struggling in our lives. Let’s examine this concept further by exploring relevant Bible verses that shed light on this profound message.
Matthew 18:12-14 (NIV)
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”
Luke 15:3-7 (NIV)
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
John 10:11-18 (NIV)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Isaiah 35:4 (NIV)
Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
| Verse | Message |
| Matthew 18:12-14 | God values each individual and rejoices when the lost are found. |
| Luke 15:3-7 | More rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over many who are righteous. |
| John 10:11-18 | Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. |
Finding Personal Significance: Applying the Lesson to Everyday Life
1. Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
2. Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
3. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
4. Matthew 5:13-16
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
5. Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
6. Galatians 6:4-5
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
7. 1 Peter 4:10-11
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
8. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
9. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as In fact you are doing.
In conclusion, the story of Jesus leaving the 99 to seek out the lost sheep serves as a powerful reminder of His unwavering love and dedication to each and every one of us. It challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to go out of our way to help those who are lost or struggling. As we meditate on this profound message, may we be inspired to follow in the footsteps of our Good Shepherd, showing compassion and grace to all who are in need. Let us strive to be like Jesus, always ready to leave the comfort of the familiar in search of those who are lost and in need of His saving grace. May we never underestimate the power of a single act of compassion, for it is through these simple gestures that we can truly make a difference in the lives of others.