Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
There is a note in the translation I am looking at that says, for verse 11, “Some manuscripts include here the words of Luke 19:10,” which reads: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” To me, this verse makes verses 12-3 make more sense.
Matthew 18:12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?
It has always baffled me a bit why anyone who has 99 of anything would waste too much time looking for one that is lost (or has willfully run off or whatever). I consider myself to be incredibly practical, and that just doesn’t make sense. Why would you risk the 99 for that one? But if Christ’s mission on earth was to seek and save the lost, then of course He would go after the one. That’s why He came.
Matthew 18:13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
Lord, Thank You for illuminating this scripture for me this morning. Thank You for the reminder that it’s not about the number or the things. I am happy with the 99. They bring me comfort. Give me a heart for the one. Help me not to forget my own tendency to wander. Help me to shine Your light for others. Amen.
Matthew 18:14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Have a blessed day.