Definition: And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 12:11. It’s a really important concept in understanding Jesus' teachings about stewardship and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is saying that as a leader or someone who has something valuable (like an animal or a flock of sheep), they should be extremely careful and responsible with it. He’s posing a question to illustrate this point. Let's unpack the parts: “And he said unto them…” : This means Jesus is speaking directly to a group of people – likely his disciples. “…What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out?” This is the tricky part. Let’s break down what “fall into a pit” means: “A pit” : This refers to a place of punishment or misfortune – like being lost in the desert or suffering a terrible consequence. “On the sabbath day” : "Sabbath" is a Jewish holiday where people are encouraged to rest and reflect. It’s a day of holy rest. So, “sabbath day” means on that specific day . Putting it all together – The Meaning: Jesus is asking: “If a person has one sheep, what should they do if that sheep gets lost or trapped on the Sabbath? How should they protect and care for it?” Essentially, he’s emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for your own things. It's about prioritizing and safeguarding something valuable, especially when you have to leave it behind for a day of rest. Why is this important? This verse highlights several key ideas: Responsibility: It emphasizes that we are responsible for the things we possess. Care and Protection: It stresses the need to protect our possessions, especially when they’re not immediately accessible. Prioritization: It suggests a focus on safeguarding what's truly important. In short, Jesus is teaching about prudence and care – that you should be diligent in protecting what you have, particularly when it involves a day of rest or tranquility. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an analogy? Discuss the context of this passage within the broader story of Jesus’ teachings?