Introduction:
In Matthew 18:10-14, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing God's love for each individual. The story highlights the shepherd's relentless pursuit of the one lost sheep, illustrating God's desire to save and redeem those who have strayed. It conveys the importance of each person to God and the joy in heaven when a lost soul is found and brought back into the fold.
In Matthew 18:10-14, the parable of the lost sheep unfolds with rich spiritual teachings:
1. Individual Value:
- Scripture: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones."
- Teaching: Emphasizes the immense value God places on each individual. No one is insignificant in His eyes.
2. Shepherd's Concern:
- Scripture: "If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray..."
- Teaching: Illustrates the genuine concern of the shepherd (representing God) for every soul, even when the majority are secure. God cares deeply for the one who has strayed.
3. Relentless Pursuit:
- Scripture: "And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray."
- Teaching: Reveals God's relentless pursuit of the lost. His joy at recovering a wandering soul surpasses the security of those who were never lost. It symbolizes divine compassion and grace.
4. Personal Responsibility:
- Scripture: "It is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
- Teaching: Stresses our collective responsibility to ensure none are lost. The will of God is salvation for all, urging believers to actively participate in spreading the Gospel and caring for one another.
5. Comparison with Heavenly Joy:
- Scripture: "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
- Teaching: Contrasts the immense joy in heaven at the repentance of one lost soul with the presumed security of the righteous. It challenges human perceptions of worthiness and underscores the transformative power of redemption.
6. Mercy and Forgiveness:
- Scripture: "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
- Teaching: Connects the parable to the importance of forgiveness. Just as the shepherd forgives the straying sheep, believers are called to forgive others sincerely, mirroring God's mercy.
Overall, the parable emphasizes God's boundless love, the pursuit of the lost, and the joyous redemption awaiting those who repent. It calls for a deepened sense of responsibility, compassion, and forgiveness within the spiritual journey.
In Christ, love ❤️ Jared W. Campbell