Pursuit of the Lost sheep
Searching to find sheep who wondered off
In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus presents the poignant parable of the lost sheep, illustrating God's profound concern for every individual, particularly for those who have wandered away from His loving embrace. He likens His unwavering care and compassion for the lost to that of a devoted shepherd who willingly leaves behind the ninety-nine sheep to earnestly search for the one that is lost and in need of rescue. This powerful passage emphasizes the immense joy that erupts in heaven over the repentance of a single sinner, affirming that no one is truly insignificant in God's eyes, regardless of their circumstances. The overarching message conveyed here is that God values each person deeply and sincerely desires their restoration to a right relationship with Him, showcasing His boundless love and steadfast commitment to every soul within His kingdom.
(ai summarized)
“See that you do not disdain one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If someone owns a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go look for the one that went astray? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that one of these little ones be lost.”