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)
The parable doesn't just highlight the shepherd's effort to find the lost sheep, but also his willingness to leave the others. Jesus is emphasizing that the value of even one precious soul is so immense that the shepherd will temporarily set aside the whole group to rescue the one that's gone astray.
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)
Jesus is addressing his disciples about how to treat others, particularly those who are struggling or have stumbled in their faith. He's just spoken about not causing the "little ones" to stumble, and now he uses a parable to illustrate the immense value God places on every individual soul. This story about the lost sheep directly precedes Jesus' explanation of God's joy over a repentant sinner.
Imagine tending a flock of 100 sheep. What happens when one wanders off? Does the shepherd just shrug it off?
This verse paints a vivid picture of a shepherd's dedication. Even with a large flock, the loss of a single sheep isn't taken lightly.
Beyond the Numbers
The shepherd doesn't calculate the 'worth' of the one lost sheep against the ninety-nine safe ones. The value isn't in the quantity remaining, but in the immense value of the individual sheep that is lost and in danger.
A Costly Pursuit
Going 'into the mountains' suggests a difficult, arduous search. This isn't a casual stroll; it's a determined pursuit into rough terrain, highlighting the effort and potential risk the shepherd undertakes.
The Ultimate Goal
The shepherd's sole focus shifts entirely to finding the stray. Everything else is secondary until that one sheep is safely recovered.
This isn't just a story about sheep. Jesus uses this to reveal something profound about God's heart toward us.
The parable of the lost sheep is a powerful illustration of God's deep love and pursuit of each person, especially those who have strayed.
The Father's Will
Matthew 18:14 clarifies the point: 'So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.' This shows that God actively desires the salvation and preservation of every individual.
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The Joy of Restoration
While not explicitly in this verse, the parallel accounts in Luke 15 describe the immense joy in heaven when a lost soul is found. This joy isn't just about the collective; it's about the celebration of one individual's return.
Beyond Contempt
In the context of Matthew 18, Jesus is teaching His disciples not to look down on the 'little ones' – those who might be weak in faith or easily led astray. God's pursuit of the lost shows that every single person is precious to Him.
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, given in response to criticism of Jesus's association with sinners, highlights the immense value God places on every individual, even those who have strayed, and the joy found in their return.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus associates with sinners
Jesus's ministry involved eating and fellowshipping with tax collectors and other perceived sinners, which drew criticism from religious leaders like the Pharisees and scribes.
Early 1st century AD
Parable of the Lost Sheep
In response to criticism, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing God's joy over a repentant sinner.
Early 1st century AD
Parable of the Lost Coin
Jesus follows with the parable of the lost coin, reinforcing the theme of seeking out and rejoicing over what is lost.
Early 1st century AD
Parable of the Prodigal Son
Luke's account also includes the parable of the prodigal son, offering a fuller picture of God's welcoming love for the lost.
This passage contains the parallel parable of the lost sheep, directly elaborating on the shepherd's joy when the single lost sheep is found, emphasizing God's rejoicing over a repenting sinner.
Luke 15:8-10Following the lost sheep parable, this passage presents the parable of the lost coin, illustrating a similar theme of diligent searching and great joy over finding what was lost, highlighting God's perspective on salvation.
Ezekiel 34:11-16This Old Testament passage describes God as the Good Shepherd who actively seeks His lost sheep, cares for the weak, and rescues them from danger, mirroring the sentiment of Christ's concern for the straying.
John 10:10-11Jesus here identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, contrasting with the thief who comes to destroy, reinforcing the idea of Christ's deep care and protective love for His flock.
1 Peter 2:25This verse refers to believers as sheep who have gone astray but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls, acknowledging Christ's role in seeking and restoring lost individuals.
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…
The parable doesn't just highlight the shepherd's effort to find the lost sheep, but also his willingness to leave the others. Jesus is emphasizing that the value of even one precious soul is so immense that the shepherd will temporarily set aside the whole group to rescue the one that's gone astray.
Jesus is addressing his disciples about how to treat others, particularly those who are struggling or have stumbled in their faith. He's just spoken about not causing the "little ones" to stumble, and now he uses a parable to illustrate the immense value God places on every individual soul. This story about the lost sheep directly precedes Jesus' explanation of God's joy over a repentant sinner.
Jesus is addressing his disciples about how to treat others, particularly those who are struggling or have stumbled in their faith. He's just spoken about not causing the "little ones" to stumble, and now he uses a parable to illustrate the immense value God places on every individual soul. This story about the lost sheep directly precedes Jesus' explanation of God's joy over a repentant sinner.
"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?" — The parable doesn't just highlight the shepherd's effort to find the lost sheep, but also his willingness to leave the others. Jesus is emphasizing that the value of even one precious soul is so…
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Last reviewed October 2026