Matthew 18:12-14
Chapter 18
12
What do you think of this? If someone has a hundred sheep and one strays, won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go to look for the stray one?
13
And I tell you, when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it than about the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
14
The same applies to your Father in heaven. Your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to perish.
Commentaries
Parable of the Lost Sheep.
Perhaps it would be better to focus on the shepherd who goes out to find the lost sheep. Jesus’ understanding of his Father was not that of an exclusive God. Leaving the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost, carrying it on his shoulders, rejoicing when he finds it, and sharing his happiness with others—was this not the clearest way of showing that God is truly a Father? Loving the lost person does not mean stopping love for the others but ensuring they are loved if they also become lost. Matthew applies the parable to the seduced and deceived disciples who have strayed from Jesus’ teachings. A life in danger needs someone to value it and prevent its end. God never gives up on anyone and always waits.