The Sheep Gone Astray

Matthew 18:12-14

First, this is connected to the proceeding context.

What is the proceeding context?

Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Except you be converted and become as a little child.

Woe to those who cause one of these little ones to stumble.

This includes not letting your eye or hand or foot become offensive.

Taking heed not to cause offensive.

4. Why? Because the Son of Man has come to save that which is lost!

This is the example we are to follow, Christ’s Example!

Verse 12:

We see here the tender love of our heavenly Father for each of these little ones mentioned at the beginning of the chapter.

The owner though he has one hundred sheep, he does not think less or slight the lost sheep, rather, he leaves the ninety-nine and goes after the one gone astray?

This parable of the lost sheep, can be found in Luke 15, alongside the parable of the lost coin and the prodigal son.

In Luke he searches until he finds it, carries it home on his shoulders and calls his friends to rejoice over the lost sheep being found.

We also find these words in Luke 15:7 “I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.”

When was the last time you sought out a conversation with the lost?

When was the last time you were diligent about finding them who are wayward in the church?

When was the last time you truly rejoiced at those coming to faith in Christ?

Note that he goes up into the mountains to find the wayward sheep.

Christ indeed ascended a mountain to save all who are lost.

He like this shepherd sought us until he found us to carry us home.

Verse 13:

Here is where each of our hearts should be...

Rejoicing over the redemption of souls

what should not be on our minds is who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Not that he cared nothing for the ninety-nine, but they had stayed in the field and had not caused the man the least anxiety. He had no need of concern for their peril.

Verse 14:

Here is God’s will! The Father’s will is that none of these little ones should perish.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”

Application

Christ’s Example Calls Us to Seek the Lost Just as the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to pursue the one lost sheep, we are called to actively seek out those who have strayed. This means engaging in intentional conversations with the lost, reaching out to wayward believers within the church, and demonstrating Christ’s relentless pursuit of sinners. Evangelism isn't passive—it requires effort, compassion, and persistence.

True Joy Comes from Redemption, Not Status The preceding context addresses the disciples’ debate about who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven—but Jesus redirects their focus. The real priority isn't status or recognition, but rather rejoicing over the salvation of souls. When a lost sinner repents, heaven itself erupts in celebration (Luke 15:7). Likewise, our hearts should overflow with joy when someone turns to Christ, rather than being occupied with concerns over position or rank.

The Father’s Will is Our Mission Verse 14 declares that it is not God's will that any should perish—echoing 2 Peter 3:9. This should shape our approach to ministry and daily life. We must be vigilant in preventing others from stumbling, guarding our actions so they do not lead others astray, and dedicating ourselves to guiding people toward repentance. If God’s greatest desire is redemption, then our mission must align with His will, reflecting His mercy and patience.