Why is understanding Jesus' purpose in Matthew 18:11 crucial for Christian living? Placing Matthew 18:11 in Its Setting Matthew 18 opens with Jesus urging childlike humility (v. 1-4), warning against causing believers to stumble (v. 5-9), and preparing to tell the parable of the lost sheep (v. 12-14). Nestled here is v. 11: “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” This single sentence supplies the heartbeat for everything Jesus is teaching in the chapter—and for all of Christian living. A One-Line Summary of Jesus’ Mission • “Save” speaks of rescue from peril—sin, death, judgment (John 3:17; 1 Timothy 1:15). • “That which was lost” covers every person estranged from God (Romans 3:23). • “Has come” anchors salvation in a real historical arrival: God the Son entering time and space (John 1:14). What This Means for My Identity Understanding v. 11 keeps the gospel personal and humbling: • I was “lost” before I was “found” (Ephesians 2:1-5). • My worth is proven by the high cost of rescue—the cross (1 Peter 1:18-19). • My ongoing security rests in the Savior’s intent, not my performance (John 10:28-29). What This Means for My Mission Because Jesus came to save the lost, His followers: • Seek the wandering with the same shepherd-like urgency (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 19:10). • Share the gospel plainly, confident it remains “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). • Display mercy to the broken; no one is beyond His reach (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). What This Means for Church Life • Discipline aims at restoration, not rejection (Matthew 18:15-17). • Every gathering celebrates redemption—singing, preaching, ordinances all revolve around the Saving Son. • Fellowship becomes a rescue station, not a social club (Jude 22-23). Practical Daily Walk-Outs • Begin each day thanking Him for finding you; gratitude fuels obedience. • Keep a running list of people you’re praying will be saved; look for open doors. • When offended, remember Christ’s rescue of you; extend forgiveness quickly (Ephesians 4:32). • Support missions and local outreach—time, prayer, resources. • Guard children and new believers from stumbling; cultivate a safe, truth-filled environment. Scriptures Echoing Matthew 18:11 • Luke 19:10 – “seek and to save the lost.” • John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life.” • 1 Timothy 1:15 – “Christ Jesus came…to save sinners.” • 2 Peter 3:9 – “not wanting anyone to perish.” Living in Light of His Purpose Jesus’ declared reason for coming frames every facet of Christian life: who we are, how we treat others, why the church exists, and what we pursue each day. Keep Matthew 18:11 in view, and Christian living stays aligned with the Savior’s own heart—rescuing, restoring, rejoicing over the once-lost now found. |
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