Let’s explore the parable of The Lost Sheep. Jesus teaches us about the great value of the lost. And how all of Heaven rejoices when a single sinner repents. When one who was lost is found…
Matthew 18:10-14 (KJV)
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
The Lost Sheep Discussion
Matthew 18:10-14
Despising A Spiritual Danger
The disciples enter the presence of Jesus bickering about who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus tells them that those who humble themselves as little children are the greatest in God’s Kingdom. He warns not to hold oneself out as better or higher than someone else. And despising or regarding others as lesser or little is spiritually dangerous. This is a warning that even the weakest believer is still under the charge of the Angels. They are valued and are not to be discouraged or judged on earth.
Could Jesus be referring to those who are self-indulgent or too forceful in their opinions as to who is deserving of their respect? These individuals presumably unable to achieve and understand the pure and childlike spirit. Letting it be known that even the smallest of us is of great value and is deserving.
“Little Ones” A New Meaning
So when Jesus refers to one of these “little Ones” it takes on a new meaning. It is the most prevalent belief that Jesus is referring to all of the believers. Including all who he has come to save. He likens mankind to children. A small child that Jesus had called to him earlier was still there. This could have been a symbol of how God views and cares for us.
He warns not to despise because their Angels are always in God’s presence. A warning against mans application of judgment of another believer. Mans determination about who is or is not Godly. And that doing so could have unforeseen consequences. The warning of the Angels lets us know that what is in our minds and in our hearts is seen and brought to divine attention.
Jesus then teaches with the parable of The Lost Sheep as he also does in Luke 15 below.
Luke 15:1-7 (KJV)
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
The Lost Sheep Discussion:
Adding Luke 15:1-7
Eating with Sinners
Luke 15 begins with the criticism of Jesus by the Jewish religious leaders for eating with tax collectors and sinners. They were outspoken with their criticism of this association with those who were unbelievers.
It is possible that the religious leaders again were holding themselves out to be better or higher than the unbeliever. And in so doing were considering or despising them as someone of lesser value. Perhaps less deserving. Again something Jesus warns us in Matthew 18 as being Spiritually dangerous.
The Value of The Lost
Jesus responds again with the parable of The Lost Sheep as he also did in Matthew 18. He illustrates God’s love and acceptance. He teaches us to care for others no matter how they appear or who they are.
In the parable of The Lost Sheep Jesus says that he has been sent to save those who have been lost. Perhaps he is referring to those who have fallen, or to the sinners who have not yet found their way. But he speaks of the greater importance of the one who is lost compared to those who are not. He attributes a great value to them. He is clear that the lost one has a greater need. And that the Shepherd will leave the flock of many in the wilderness to find even a single one who is lost. He will carry the lost back to the flock and rejoice in the saving of him. He will call others to share in the celebration and rejoicing for this single lost one to be saved.
Heaven Rejoices A Sinner Repents
Jesus then makes a comparison to the rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents. That it is greater joy when a single sinner repents then for many believers who need no repentance. This affirms the importance of saving the single lost one, the single sinner and the single unbeliever over all else.
So is Jesus telling us that we should be seeking out the lost ones, carrying them back and bringing them into the flock? Maybe he is telling us to also pick up the fallen, to humble ourselves in their presence and to extend our hands to reach out to them. For if even one of them is found, even one is brought to the flock successfully it will bring a great joy in heaven…
For more on the topic of God’s Love for the Lost, Check this out as well:
For the Love of God,
Sparks
