November 5, 2019
The One Who Left the 99
Matthew 18:1–14
Lindsey Monsivais
Central Truth
"All we like sheep have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6a), and yet Jesus chases after those who have wandered from the flock—not because we deserve to be found, but because He loves us.
Key Verse | Matthew 18:12-13
"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? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray."
Matthew 18:1–14
Who Is the Greatest?
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, 1 18:6 Greek causes to stumble; also verses 8, 9 it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Temptations to Sin
7 Woe to the world for temptations to sin! 2 18:7 Greek stumbling blocks For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell 3 18:9 Greek Gehenna of fire.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
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. 4 18:10 Some manuscripts add verse 11: For the Son of Man came to save the lost 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 5 18:14 Some manuscripts your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 18:1–14
As a child, I had a fascination with wandering. Once, as a toddler, I decided to open the front door of our house and walk down the street. Thankfully, the neighbors stopped me before I traveled too far.
What compelled me to wander is anyone's guess, but I'm not alone in the desire to stray. Society is enticed with the idea of not being tied down. It's evident in songs, movies, and even Scripture.
The world tries to seduce us into leaving God to find life. It happened to me as an adult. I fell away from the church, fell in love with a guy, and fell into the trap of believing he could fulfill me. After a broken engagement, I was in a pit of depression and anger. I wondered whether God still loved me.
Jesus answers that question through the parable of a sheep that strayed from the flock. A lone sheep is vulnerable to predators seeking the weak and helpless. Knowing this, the shepherd leaves the 99 faithful sheep to find the one that wandered off.
The shepherd in this parable is Jesus, and the sheep are His followers. When a believer is lured by the cares of the world and wanders from God, Jesus begins the chase. His pursuit is relentless until the believer is returned home.
So it was with me. God pursued me and led me to a church that reminded me of truth—that God sacrificed everything to save me. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) Jesus laid down his life so I wouldn't have to pay the penalty for my wandering heart. This says nothing of my deserving to be loved and everything of the goodness of God's love.
This truth should make anyone want to be found by God. If you have a childlike fascination with wandering and have walked out the front door of your faith, ask yourself: Are you going to keep running, or are you willing to let Jesus put you on His shoulders and take you home?
Discussion Questions
1. After reading the Parable of the Lost Sheep, do you think the sheep deserved to be found? What do you think of the shepherd who searched for the lost sheep?
2. Read Isaiah 53:5-6. As a believer, what do these verses mean to you? If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, what do these verses mean to you?
3. If you are where I was a few years ago and feel you have wandered from God, is there anything keeping you from wanting to be found? What is it?
4. Do you believe that God is chasing after you even if you are actively running away? Why or why not?
5. What is your reaction to knowing that Jesus died for the sins you have committed? As it says in Romans 6:23, this is a free gift that God has already paid for. He did it because He loves you. Do you want to accept His gift?