How does Matthew 18:11 connect with the parable of the lost sheep? Setting the Scene • Matthew 18 is a discourse in which Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom—humility, care for “little ones,” forgiveness, and restoration. • Verse 11 provides a mission statement from Jesus that frames everything that follows. Matthew 18:11—A Mission Statement “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” • Declares Jesus’ purpose: rescue. • “Son of Man” echoes Daniel 7:13-14, linking His authority to seek and save (cf. Luke 19:10). • “Lost” includes anyone estranged from God, whether by ignorance, sin, or wandering. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) “12 What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that is lost? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not wander away. 14 In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” Key details • One sheep wanders; the shepherd initiates the search. • Pursuit is patient and personal. • Joy erupts over restoration. • The Father’s will: none of His “little ones” perish. How Verse 11 Connects to the Parable • Verse 11 is the shepherd’s motivation in a single sentence. – His coming = shepherd leaving safety to seek. – His saving = finding and carrying the sheep home. • The parable illustrates verse 11 in story form: – Lost sheep = “that which was lost.” – Shepherd’s action = “has come.” – Rescue and rejoicing = “to save.” Wider Scriptural Echoes • Isaiah 53:6—“We all like sheep have gone astray…” shows the universal “lost” condition. • Ezekiel 34:11-12—God Himself promises to search for His sheep. • John 10:11—Jesus: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” • 1 Peter 2:25—“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Implications for Believers Today • Confidence: Christ actively seeks the straying; no one is beyond His reach. • Compassion: Reflect the shepherd’s heart—pursue the wandering, welcome repentance. • Celebration: Rejoice when restoration happens, echoing heaven’s joy (Luke 15:7). • Commitment: Guard “little ones” in faith communities, ensuring none perish through neglect or stumbling (Matthew 18:6, 10). |
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