The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Matthew 18:10-14

Introduction

Share a story or example of something valuable that was lost and then found.

Emphasize the joy of recovery and how it reflects God’s heart toward the lost.

Context: Jesus is teaching about humility and the value of every believer in God’s kingdom.

Matthew 18:10–14 ESV

10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 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? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

I. God’s Care for the Little Ones (v.10)

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones…”

Jesus warns against looking down on or neglecting those who seem insignificant.

Application: Do we see people as God sees them, or do we dismiss those who seem unimportant?

II. Heaven’s Perspective on the Lost (v.10-11)

“For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father…”

This suggests that God is deeply concerned for every individual.

Some manuscripts include v.11: "For the Son of Man came to save the lost." This reinforces Christ’s mission.

Application: Do we reflect this same concern for the lost, or are we indifferent?

III. The Relentless Pursuit of the Shepherd (v.12-13)

“If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray…”

The shepherd leaves the 99 to pursue the one.

This highlights God's personal, intentional pursuit of the lost.

Application: Do we pursue those who have wandered from the faith, or do we simply write them off?

IV. The Joy of Restoration (v.13-14)

“And if he finds it… he rejoices over it more than the ninety-nine…”

God's heart is full of joy when the lost are found.

“It is not the will of my Father… that one of these little ones should perish.”

This reveals God's deep desire for all to be saved.

Application: Do we celebrate when the lost are found, or do we grumble like the Pharisees (Luke 15:2)?

Conclusion: The Call to Reflect the Shepherd’s Heart

God sees, values, and pursues the lost.

Are we aligning our hearts with His?

Call to action:

Examine our own hearts—Are we straying?

Pursue those who have wandered—Who can we reach out to this week?

Celebrate restoration—Rejoice when people come to Christ!

Closing Prayer: Ask God to give us His heart for the lost and the courage to pursue them.

Would you like me to add illustrations or discussion questions for small groups?