Book of Luke - Chapter 15 - Verse 5

When Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:5, he is illustrating the great love and care that God has for each of His children. The verse "And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing" signifies the joy and celebration that comes when a lost soul is found and brought back into the fold. This imagery of the shepherd carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders demonstrates the tender and compassionate nature of God, who goes to great lengths to seek out and rescue those who are lost and in need of redemption. The verse teaches us that no matter how lost or far away we may feel from God, He is always searching for us with great love and joy, ready to bring us back into His loving embrace. It is a reminder of the infinite mercy and grace that God extends to all who are willing to come back to Him.

One theological interpretation of the verse 'And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.' can be seen as a representation of God's love and care for each of His lost children. In this parable of the lost sheep, Jesus uses the image of a shepherd going after a single lost sheep to illustrate the lengths to which God will go to seek and save those who are lost. The act of the shepherd laying the found sheep on his shoulders can be symbolic of the burden of sin being carried by Jesus on the cross, as well as the loving care and protection that God provides to His people.

Furthermore, a word study of the verb 'layeth' in this verse can provide additional insight into the significance of the shepherd's actions. The Greek word used here is 'epitithemi', which can also be translated as 'to place upon' or 'to lay upon'. This word carries connotations of care, support, and protection, reinforcing the idea of the shepherd's gentle handling of the lost sheep. It highlights the tender and personal nature of God's relationship with His people, as He goes to great lengths to seek, find, and carry them to safety.