Matthew 18:12
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus highlights the shepherd's intense focus on the single lost sheep, implying the immense value God places on one individual, even when surrounded by many who are safe. The fact that the ninety-nine are left behind underscores that God's love isn't diluted by the many; rather, it becomes concentrated on the one who has wandered.
Jesus uses this parable to underscore why his disciples should not look down on or dismiss those considered "little ones" in faith, especially those who might be struggling or have stumbled. This follows directly after Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, emphasizing that divine judgment awaits those who lead others astray. The shepherd's relentless pursuit of the single lost sheep highlights God's immense value for each individual soul and his active seeking of those who have wandered away.
Imagine losing just one out of a hundred precious sheep. What would you do? Jesus uses this relatable image to reveal a profound truth about God's heart.
In Matthew 18:12, Jesus asks, "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?"
This isn't just a hypothetical question; it's a window into the immense value God places on each individual.
The Shepherd's Priority
This parable reveals that God's love isn't spread thinly; it's intensely focused on each one of us, especially when we are lost.
Why does Jesus use the image of a lost sheep? It’s to show us something essential about how God views those who wander from Him.
Jesus' parable in Matthew 18:12 is designed to correct any potential pride or carelessness among His followers regarding those who struggle or fall away.
The Divine Perspective on the Lost
Understand the original words
probaton · Greek Noun
A domesticated animal often used in Scripture as a metaphor for God's people, symbolizing their dependence, vulnerability, and need for a Shepherd.
planaō · Greek Verb
To wander off or to be led away from the right path; in a theological sense, it refers to straying from God's truth, holiness, or covenantal obedience.
zēteō · Greek Verb
The act of seeking out something that is lost or missing; in Scripture, it frequently denotes God’s initiative in redeeming and restoring those who have separated themselves from Him.
This parable, found in Matthew and also Luke's Gospel, directly addresses the criticism Jesus faced for associating with 'sinners.' It reveals that God's heart, like that of a devoted shepherd, deeply desires the rescue and return of those who have strayed.
c. AD 28
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus starts teaching, healing, and calling disciples across Galilee.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Mingles with Sinners and Tax Collectors
Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners, drawing criticism from religious leaders.
c. AD 29
Parables of the Lost Sheep and Coin
In response to criticism, Jesus tells parables explaining God's joy over repentant sinners.
c. AD 30
Jesus Enters Jerusalem for Final Passover
Jesus makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, leading to his arrest and crucifixion.
This passage presents the very same parable, highlighting Jesus' consistent teaching about the immense value God places on a single soul that is lost.
Luke 15:7This verse directly states the consequence of the parable: there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, mirroring the shepherd's joy over finding the lost sheep.
Ezekiel 34:11-16This Old Testament passage describes God as the Good Shepherd who actively seeks His lost sheep and will rescue them, echoing the care and initiative shown in Matthew's parable.
John 10:11-13Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, emphasizing His personal commitment to His flock and His concern even for the one who might wander.
1 Peter 5:7This verse encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God because He cares for them, reflecting the deep and personal concern God has for each individual that is illustrated by the shepherd's search.
calvinMatthew 18:11-14: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
- For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12. What think you? If a man shall have a hundred sheep, and one of them shall go astray, doth he not leave the ninety-nine, and go to the mountains, and seek that which had gone astray? 13. And if he happen to find it, verily, I say to you, he rejoiceth more on account of that sheep than on account of the ninety-nine which had gone astray. 14. So it is not the…
henryMatthew 18:7-14: "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!"
18:7-14 Considering the cunning and malice of Satan, and the weakness and depravity of men's hearts, it is not possible but that there should be offences. God permits them for wise and holy ends, that those who are sincere, and those who are not, may be made known. Being told before, that there will be seducers, tempters, persecutors, and bad exampl…
Jesus highlights the shepherd's intense focus on the single lost sheep, implying the immense value God places on one individual, even when surrounded by many who are safe. The fact that the ninety-nine are left behind underscores that God's love isn't diluted by the many; rather, it becomes concentrated on the one who has wandered.
Jesus uses this parable to underscore why his disciples should not look down on or dismiss those considered "little ones" in faith, especially those who might be struggling or have stumbled. This follows directly after Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, emphasizing that divine judgment awaits those who lead others astray. The shepherd's relentless pursuit of the single lost sheep highlights God's immense value for each individual soul and his active seeking of those who have wandered away.
Jesus uses this parable to underscore why his disciples should not look down on or dismiss those considered "little ones" in faith, especially those who might be struggling or have stumbled. This follows directly after Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, emphasizing that divine judgment awaits those who lead others astray. The shepherd's relentless pursuit of the single lost sheep highlights God's immense value for each individual soul and his active seeking of those who have wandered away.
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This teaches us that we, as followers of Christ, should mirror God's passionate concern for those who have wandered, rather than dismissing them.
"What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?" — Jesus highlights the shepherd's intense focus on the single lost sheep, implying the immense value God places on one individual, even when surrounded by many who are safe. The fact that the ninety-…
