About the Text
(11) Why do some Bibles have this verse and others not?
Because the earliest (fourth century) manuscripts of the New Testament do not have this
verse, scholars are in dispute whether this verse was part of the original writing of the
book of Matthew. Either way, the meaning of the parable is not affected. The point that
Jesus Christ came to save sinners is still intact.
(12) Does this verse mean that God would really abandon the ninety-nine to look
for the one sheep? No. It was entirely against custom for a shepherd in those
days to leave an entire flock alone, unattended. The shepherd instead would place others
to look after the flock, while he searches for the straying one. Evangelism, our reaching
out to unbelievers and backsliders, does not mean that we need to abandon the faithful. It
is imperative, yet sometimes difficult, for a church to care for both the lost and the
faithful.
(13) Why would God be happier about the one sheep than the ninety-nine? Isn't He
at all pleased that the ninety-nine stayed faithful? Yes, God is very pleased
when His children stay faithful to Jesus Christ. See verse 14. Yet because of God's great
mercy, and the nature of the occasion, God throws a party when a straying brother or
sister is brought back to the flock. It is similar to how we celebrate the birth of a new
baby, even though we love all our children equally.
(14) What does Jesus mean by "little ones"? As in the previous passage, this phrase refers to those in the church who are humble, insignificant, and sometimes ignored by the "religious giants." The phrase comes from the Greek word "micron." Its meaning is not limited to children.
Insights
God cares for the backslider more than people commonly do.
The Bottom Line
If you are one of the faithful, pray for those who have strayed away. Don't look down on those who haven't been in church in years. It's easy to despise those "sinners." But remember, you are one too. Pray instead that they will understand God's love as demonstrated through Jesus Christ's dying on the cross for our sins, and that they will repent, turn to Jesus, and come back home.
If you haven't been in church for a long time, and you still have a flicker of faith in you, then know this: Jesus is "looking" for you. No matter how bad you've been, or how far you've strayed, He's still searching. Could it be that's why you're here today? Could it be that Christ died on the cross to take the punishment for YOUR sins, that God still loves you, and that He's leading you home? If so, then turn to Christ right now, and enjoy the blessings of salvation.
Key Memory Verse
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of
these little ones should be lost. (Matthew 18:14)