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 [ e ] Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Matthew 18:12-14 (ESV)

Child theme final gasp

Jesus gives one last teaching using children as the talking point. As we’ve said before, though it certainly does refer to children, it is more likely referring, in context, to new believers, young in the faith. It is pretty clear as we look at v14, children are not likely to wander away from the faith so it must be adult young believers.

Shepherding

Sheep herding (shepherding) was a common occupation back then – as was fishing. But because people are more like sheep than fish, Jesus uses the sheep metaphor for this teaching. Sheep are known for being dumb (see clip) and followers (see clip below). But these characteristics also help protect them. Safety in numbers. Though risky, because they stick together, a shepherd can leave them alone for a time to search for the one who went astray. Notice the word is “astray” which implies that the sheep didn’t just happen to wander off and get “lost” but made a decision – either by being deceived or tempted to sin.

Great Rejoicing

If the shepherd finds the sheep that went astray and is able to bring it back to the fold, he rejoices greatly. The rejoicing is “more” than the others, not that he’s not thankful for them, but they weren’t missing. If any one of them ever was, they’d receive the same loving care. Jesus says the Father is the Shepherd. He goes out seeking for His sheep that have strayed. 

Keep from perishing

Isn’t this comforting? God is “all in” on this! It is His will that none should perish; He will “pull all the stops” to bring this one back to the fold. We should understand that, “”Perish” in this context does not mean loss of salvation, but the ultimate result of failing to achieve God’s goal for oneself as a disciple, namely, a wasted life.” (planobiblechapel.org) It could also mean to die physically…like due to sinful choices and disobedience. 

RЯeflection

• Have you gone astray and just happen to be reading this and hear the Father calling your name to come back to Him? I’d encourage you to humble yourself, confess and repent and have the relationship restored (1 John 1:9).
• In the same way the Father goes after those who go astray, He wants to use us in this process. Keep a soft heart to brothers and sisters who have strayed. Of course, we need to practice church discipline (next passage) yet keep praying and seeking for their return.