The Lost Sheep: God's Pursuit Of The Wanderer Matthew 18:12-14 Series

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."