Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 18:13. It’s a really important and thought-provoking verse about forgiveness and relationships. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Jesus’ experience with the disciples after he had calmed a huge storm of arguments and disagreements. He realized that even though they argued, the few who strayed from the path of righteousness were far happier than all the others. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And if so be that he find it…” – This is a bit tricky. It means Jesus was looking for a specific thing – a situation where someone actually turns away from what’s right and wrong. “…he rejoiceth more of that sheep…” – “Rejoiceth” means to be very happy and pleased. "Sheep" represents people, especially the righteous or those who are following God's will. This is a metaphor for someone who is happy and content with their faith. “…than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.” – This is the key part! "Ninety and nine" refers to the disciples. But Jesus says, “he rejoiceth more…” – he was happier than all of them who didn’t stray. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to a crucial truth about forgiveness: God's Grace is Greater Than Our Efforts: It means that God’s love and forgiveness are far greater than our ability to keep everyone perfectly on the right path. It emphasizes that even when people mess up , God still wants to forgive them and restore them to his grace. Focus on Restoration, Not Punishment: Jesus is highlighting that the focus shouldn't be on punishing those who stray, but on recovering them. He’s showing us that forgiveness is more important than a strict punishment. In essence, this verse encourages us to: Be patient and forgiving. Don’t hold grudges. Believe in God's ability to restore even the most broken people. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Provide some context about Matthew 18?