The Parable Of The Lost Sheep
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? Matthew 18:11-12
Though this parable seems simple to understand, the very act of recovering a lost sheep or person can be daunting, especially if they have become entangled with ungodly people. However, you can look at this parable in two ways: one, he may consider a lost sheep someone who has never known him because all souls belong to him, or two, someone who followed him and strayed away by being drawn into worldly matters and falling out of touch with him. We tend to believe that this person, considered a lost sheep, is likely already part of the flock; otherwise, why would Jesus call them sheep? However, in this scene, he had crossed the Jordan and was in the Galilee of the Gentiles, speaking mostly to the Gentiles, who were considered lost.
When the lost sheep is found, as Christ-followers, we should be grateful to see a lost soul come to know Jesus and, ultimately, be part of the heavenly rejoicing and grateful for their salvation.
This parable gives assurance that Jesus doesn’t sit idly by waiting but goes after the lost souls, which should comfort us, knowing that those we love who are lost are not forgotten by Jesus and that he is actively pursuing them. Keep praying, Jesus hears you.
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