(The Lord speaking is red text)
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.”
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
For{G1063} the Son{G5207} of man{G444} is come{G2064} to seek{G2212} and{G2532} to save{G4982} that which was lost{G622}.
Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost," is a succinct statement of Jesus' mission as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This verse is part of the narrative of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who was considered a sinner by his community. Jesus' declaration here encapsulates several key themes:
1. **Mission of Jesus**: The title "Son of Man" is used by Jesus to refer to himself and emphasizes his humanity and humility. This self-designation is rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where the "Son of Man" is given dominion and kingship. Jesus' use of the term underscores his divine authority and his role as the one who will judge and save humanity.
2. **Seeking the Lost**: The phrase "to seek and to save" reflects Jesus' active pursuit of those who are spiritually lost. This seeking is not passive but a deliberate effort to reach out to those who are marginalized, like Zacchaeus, who was not only a tax collector but also a Jew collaborating with the Roman occupiers, making him doubly despised.
3. **Salvation**: The concept of salvation in this verse is multifaceted, encompassing forgiveness, restoration, and deliverance from sin. Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus leads to a transformation in the tax collector's life, exemplifying the saving power of Jesus' mission.
4. **Inclusivity**: The verse reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry. His willingness to dine with Zacchaeus, an act that would have made Jesus ceremonially unclean according to Jewish customs, demonstrates that Jesus came for all, regardless of their social standing or past behavior.
5. **Historical Context**: During the time of Jesus, Jewish society had strict social boundaries, especially regarding tax collectors and other sinners. Jesus' actions challenged these norms and prefigured the radical inclusivity of the early Christian community.
In summary, Luke 19:10 encapsulates the essence of Jesus' earthly ministry as depicted in the Gospel of Luke: an active pursuit of the spiritually lost, offering them salvation and restoration, and challenging the social norms of his time by embracing those who were outcast. This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding Jesus' teachings about compassion, forgiveness, and the universal call to repentance and faith.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)