The Lost Sheep: God's Pursuit of the Wanderer Matthew 18:12-14
Introduction:
Today, we embark on a journey through the transformative truths revealed in Matthew 18:12-14. This passage unveils God's heart for the lost and His relentless pursuit of those who stray from His flock. Let us delve deep into this scripture and uncover its profound implications for our lives.
Matthew 18:12-14 (New Living Translation) "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish."
Point 1: God's Intense Concern for the Lost
In this passage, Jesus paints a vivid picture of a shepherd leaving behind ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that wandered off. This illustrates God's intense concern for every individual who strays from His presence. The shepherd's action mirrors the Father's heart, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to seek and save the lost.
Luke 19:10 (New Living Translation): "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."
In Luke 19:10, Jesus reveals a profound purpose for His ministry on earth. He came not for the righteous or the self-assured but specifically for the lost, those who are spiritually wandering or estranged. This verse underscores the heart of God's mission—to seek out and rescue those who are in need of salvation.
Just as the shepherd pursues the lost sheep, God actively seeks out those who have drifted away from His flock.
God's pursuit of the lost is rooted in His deep love and compassion (Ezekiel 34:11-16).
Ezekiel 34:11-16 (New Living Translation): "For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day."
Ezekiel 34 beautifully depicts God's heart as a shepherd seeking His scattered sheep. The imagery of a shepherd diligently searching for lost sheep reflects the intimate care and determination of God to gather His people back to Himself.
He takes no pleasure in the perishing of anyone but desires that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
2 Peter 3:9 (New Living Translation): "The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."
2 Peter 3:9 reveals God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance. Despite the delays we perceive, God's timing is rooted in His mercy and longing for reconciliation with every individual.
This truth reflects the character of our Heavenly Father, whose mercy knows no bounds.
As Max Lucado aptly puts it, "You are never so lost that God cannot find you. His grace reaches lower than your deepest depth and shines brighter than your darkest night."
Point 2: The Shepherd's Joy Over the Found
Jesus emphasises the shepherd's joy upon finding the lost sheep, highlighting the immense delight in heaven when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
Luke 15:7 (New Living Translation): "In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!"
Luke 15:7 illustrates the profound joy in heaven when a lost soul is found and restored. This passage underscores the immense value God places on every individual and His delight in their repentance and return.
God's heart rejoices over every individual who returns to Him, regardless of how far they may have strayed. The shepherd's joy symbolises the Father's joy over each of us when we are restored to His embrace.
The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son (Luke 15) underscore God's joyous response to repentance. He celebrates our return with open arms and lavish grace, demonstrating His boundless love for each of His children.
Charles Spurgeon beautifully captures this truth, "The Lord's joy is in the recovery of His fallen creatures. As a shepherd rejoices over the recovery of his sheep, so does the Lord rejoice over the recovery of His lost ones."
Point 3: God's Unyielding Desire for Salvation
Jesus concludes by affirming the Father's will—that none of His little ones should perish. This echoes the overarching theme of redemption woven throughout Scripture (John 3:16).
John 3:16 (New Living Translation): "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16 encapsulates the essence of God's sacrificial love for humanity. It demonstrates that salvation is a gift available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, emphasising God's desire for eternal life for every person.
God's relentless pursuit of the lost reveals His unyielding desire for all to experience salvation and eternal life through faith in Christ.
The cross stands as the ultimate demonstration of God's desire for our salvation (Romans 5:8).
Romans 5:8 (New Living Translation) "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
Romans 5:8 beautifully portrays God's incomparable love, expressed through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This act of love was extended to us even when we were undeserving, underscoring the depth and selflessness of God's love.
Jesus willingly laid down His life to reconcile us to God, embodying the Father's relentless love for humanity.
Renowned preacher Billy Graham encapsulates this truth, "God's heart is open to all who will turn to Him. He seeks out the lost and offers them the gift of salvation, free and unmerited."
Application and Call to Action
These passages collectively reveal God's relentless pursuit of humanity, His unfathomable love, and His desire for reconciliation with those who are lost. They depict a compassionate God who actively seeks to bring salvation and restoration to all who will turn to Him.
Beloved congregation, let us reflect on the profound truths revealed in Matthew 18:12-14. Just as the shepherd seeks the lost sheep, God pursues each of us with unwavering love and compassion.
Today, if you find yourself distant from God, know that He is reaching out to you.
Respond to His call of grace and return to His loving embrace.
Acknowledge God's relentless pursuit of your heart.
Embrace His forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ.
Share the Good News of salvation with those who are lost, echoing God's heart for the wandering souls.
In closing, may we be reminded of God's unending pursuit of the lost and His desire for all to come to repentance. Let us respond to His love with humility and gratitude, knowing that we are cherished and sought after by our Heavenly Father. Amen.
