Definition: I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 15:18. It’s a really important and often misunderstood verse in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse comes from the story of Jesus teaching his disciples about the nature of God’s love. Jesus is talking about how God loves all of His creation – even people. He’s telling them that He will eventually return to Heaven and, before returning, he’ll admit to a mistake. Here's what it says in simpler terms: “I will rise and go to my father.” This means Jesus is going to Heaven. It’s not just about him physically leaving; it’s a symbolic act of acknowledging that he has done something wrong. “And I will say unto him, Father…” This is a plea – a confession. Jesus is saying, "Father, I have made a mistake." He's admitting to having wronged God or someone else. "I have sinned against heaven..." This is the key part. “Heaven” refers to God. “Sin” means breaking a rule or law. Jesus is saying he’s done something that disrespects or goes against God. “And before thee.” This means He's acknowledging this mistake before God. It shows humility and remorse. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to the idea of human imperfection. We are all prone to making mistakes, and we often feel shame or regret for them. Jesus’ admission is a reminder that even the most powerful and righteous beings can make errors. Why is this important? It's a foundational part of the Christian belief in God's forgiveness and grace. Jesus’ acknowledgment of sin allows us to believe that God accepts our remorse and offers forgiveness. It’s an invitation to repentance – a turning away from wrongdoings and seeking reconciliation with God. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about human fallibility and the possibility of redemption through confession and repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail (like its connection to the concept of atonement)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?