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Matthew 18:12
Verse
Context
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
12What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?13And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, &c.--This is another of those pregnant sayings which our Lord uttered more than once. See on the delightful parable of the lost sheep in Luk 15:4-7. Only the object there is to show what the good Shepherd will do, when even one of His sheep is lost, to find it; here the object is to show, when found, how reluctant He is to lose it. Accordingly, it is added,
John Gill Bible Commentary
Even so it is not the will of your father which is in heaven,.... This is the accommodation, or application of the parable of the lost sheep to the present purpose, and is the top of the climax or gradation here made use of. First, Christ observes, in order to deter any from despising and offending any of his disciples, even the meanest, that they have angels to be their guardians, who are continually in the presence of God; and next, that he himself in human nature came to be the author of salvation to these persons; and then rises up to the sovereign will of his Father, and their's, the source and security of their everlasting happiness; which will is, not that one of these little ones, that believe in Christ, should perish. It is his will of command that no stumbling block should be laid in their way to cause them to stumble and fall, to the grieving of their souls, the wounding of their consciences, and the perishing, or loss of their peace and comfort; and it is his unalterable will of purpose, or his unchangeable decree, that not one of them, even the meanest, shall perish eternally: in pursuance of which will, he has chosen them in his Son, he has put them into his hands, and secured them in his covenant; and having redeemed them by Christ, and called them by grace, he keeps them by his power, through faith unto salvation. Nor shall anyone of them finally and totally fall away and perish, through the power of their own corruptions, the temptations of Satan, the reproaches and persecutions of men, the frowns or flatteries of the world, or through the errors and heresies of false teachers, or any other way. It is to be observed, that when our Lord, in Mat 18:10, is speaking of the happiness of the angels, and the honour done to the little ones by having such guardians; then the more to aggrandize this matter, he represents those as in the presence of his "Father which is in heaven"; but here, when he would express the wonderful love and grace of God, in the resolutions of his heart, and purposes of his will, to save them, then it is "your Father which is in heaven"; and this, the rather to engage them to the belief of it, since they stood in such a near relation to him, as children to a father: and therefore must be infinitely more concerned for their welfare, than a proprietor of sheep can be, for one that is lost. The Arabic and Ethiopic versions indeed read, "my father", but without any authority; for the phraseology, "the will before your Father", as in the original text; see Gill on Mat 11:26
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:12 Just as a shepherd will work to recover a lost sheep, the “little ones” (18:6) must not be despised or neglected.
Matthew 18:12
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
12What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?13And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 34): Casting All Your Cares Upon Him
By A.W. Tozer12K25:53CareMAT 18:121PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of various challenges and hardships in the world, such as illness, accidents, loss of jobs, betrayals, separations, bereavements, and war. The preacher emphasizes that these difficulties cannot be ignored or wished away, as they are a part of life. However, the preacher reassures the audience that God is personally concerned about each individual and is aware of their struggles. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in God's guidance and to not worry, as God will handle their challenges and protect them.
Ecumenical Movement
By A.W. Tozer4.4K40:28Ecumenical MovementJER 20:9MAT 18:12REV 17:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being conscious of Christ's presence in our lives. He encourages the congregation to become Christ-conscious and church-loving, leading to a transformation of their lives and hearts. The preacher advises against joining any group or belief system that questions the truth of the Bible. He uses an illustration of a man and a girl in love, separated by distance but connected by looking at the same moon, to illustrate the idea of believers looking at Jesus and being united in Him.
Hope for the Godly in Death
By John Murray1.7K25:33DeathPSA 119:89ISA 61:3MAT 18:12ROM 8:392CO 12:9EPH 4:131TH 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing our thoughts and hearts on the glorious event of Christ's manifestation in his matchless glory. He encourages the audience to measure the depth of their love, hope, and outreach by how much they gravitate towards this future event. The preacher assures the congregation that their departed loved ones, including husbands, fathers, and pastors, will be glorified with Christ at his glorious appearance. He addresses the concern of the Thessalonians about whether those who have died will experience the rapture and assures them that the last enemy to be destroyed is death. The final truth the preacher highlights is that the godly will always be with the Lord, being snatched up into the air to meet him.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Jesus Appears
By Jim Cymbala1.6K32:48Renewing The MindPSA 119:11PSA 119:176MAT 7:7MAT 18:12MRK 12:28LUK 24:32JHN 20:19In this sermon, the speaker addresses the mechanical nature of faith in Christian circles today. He highlights a recent study that shows a significant number of churches in America are either stagnant or decreasing in membership, with thousands of churches closing each year. The speaker then focuses on the story of Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, emphasizing their initial confusion and sadness despite Jesus being alive. He emphasizes the need for a real and personal encounter with God, rather than just intellectual knowledge, and prays for revival and unity among believers.
Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 5
By William MacDonald1.4K34:30RedemptionPSA 95:6MAT 18:12LUK 23:33JHN 4:24JHN 20:29ROM 8:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wonder and significance of Jesus as both fully human and fully God. He encourages the audience to constantly remind themselves that Jesus, despite being perfectly human, was also God. The preacher highlights the loneliness and humility of Jesus' earthly life, where he walked among the people and experienced rejection. The sermon also emphasizes the purpose of Jesus' coming, which was to seek and save the lost. The preacher concludes by reading Luke 23:33, reminding the audience of the crucifixion of Jesus and the importance of the cross in their lives.
Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K09:32MAT 18:12This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the impact of disobedience to God, highlighting how it affects families, communities, and nations. He warns against deferring obedience and the consequences of turning away from God's will. Using the analogy of a shepherd seeking a lost sheep, he stresses the importance of not letting even one soul perish. The message also addresses societal issues like substance abuse and the responsibility of parents in shaping their children's behavior.
God Cares and Loves You 2 - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K09:55MAT 18:12This sermon by Joshua Daniel focuses on the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance from sin and restoration in broken lives. It delves into the concept of love, highlighting the enduring nature of true love as described in the Bible, contrasting it with the superficiality of modern relationships. The message emphasizes the depth of God's love for each individual, using the parable of the lost sheep to illustrate the lengths to which God goes to seek and save the lost.
How to Handle Church Discipline
By Shane Idleman84246:34CorrectionMAT 18:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not rushing the process of church discipline when dealing with consistent patterns of sin. He highlights the need to confront sin with truth and love, and shares important steps to follow in addressing this issue. The speaker also cautions against offering false hope by giving specific timeframes for change. The sermon references Jesus' teaching on loving enemies and emphasizes the ripple effect our actions have on our families and relationships.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
The Pathos of Divine Love
By J.R. Miller0Divine LoveRedemptionMAT 18:12LUK 15:4JHN 10:11J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound love of the Good Shepherd, illustrating how Christ's heart aches for each lost soul, just as a mother would miss a wandering child. He highlights the lengths to which the Good Shepherd goes to seek out the one lost sheep, demonstrating that no one is too insignificant to be missed or sought after by Christ. The sermon reflects on the pain and sacrifice involved in this search, reminding us that Christ's love is personal and relentless, as He does not tire in His quest to bring back those who have strayed. Miller's message reassures us that every individual matters to God, and His love compels Him to pursue us, no matter the cost.
The Infinite Tenderness of Jesus!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Compassion of the Good ShepherdTenderness of ChristISA 40:11MAT 18:12JHN 10:11C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the infinite tenderness of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who carries the lambs in His bosom, showcasing His deep compassion for the weak and feeble members of His flock. He highlights that Jesus' tender heart is moved by the sighs and struggles of His followers, reminding us that they are precious to Him, having been purchased with His blood. Spurgeon illustrates the closeness and safety found in Jesus' embrace, where believers experience perfect rest and comfort, and he calls for a greater awareness of this divine affection.
1 Peter 2:25
By John Gill0RedemptionGrace Of GodISA 53:6EZK 34:12MAT 18:12LUK 19:10JHN 10:111PE 2:25John Gill emphasizes the transformative journey of believers as depicted in 1 Peter 2:25, illustrating how they were once lost sheep, straying from the Shepherd, but have now been brought back through the grace of God. He explains that this return is not by their own efforts but through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit and the sacrificial love of Christ, who is both the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls. Gill draws parallels to Isaiah 53:6, highlighting the elect's need for redemption and the active role of Christ in their salvation.
Thou Shalt Be Called, Sought Out
By C.H. Spurgeon0God's GraceDivine PursuitISA 43:1MAT 18:12LUK 19:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the extraordinary grace of God in seeking out the lost, illustrating that while many may seek what is lost, God goes further by seeking us out from the depths of our sin and despair. He compares our condition to precious gold lost in filth, highlighting the relentless pursuit of God as He searches for us amidst our struggles. Spurgeon marvels at the infinite love and power of God, who does not give up on His chosen ones, ensuring that they are not only sought but effectively found and restored. He concludes with a call to praise God for His sovereign love that grants us the title of 'Sought out.'
Lost and Found
By D.L. Moody0SalvationThe Pursuit of GodMAT 18:12LUK 19:10D.L. Moody emphasizes that Christ is actively seeking every lost soul, urging individuals not to wait for a personal encounter with Him but to recognize His constant pursuit through sermons, the Holy Spirit, and personal experiences. He illustrates the profound loss of a soul compared to worldly losses, encouraging listeners to acknowledge their lost state and cry out for salvation. Moody shares personal anecdotes to demonstrate how God reaches out to the lost, emphasizing that accepting Christ leads to eternal joy and peace. He concludes by inviting all to consent to be saved, assuring them that Jesus is ready to carry them over their burdens and into eternal life.
Homily 59 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 6:24MAT 16:26MAT 18:7MAT 18:10MAT 18:12LUK 6:37LUK 15:7ROM 8:321CO 1:9John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of caring for and not despising those who are considered insignificant or struggling, emphasizing the need to cut off relationships that lead to sin, to be vigilant against offenses, and to prioritize the salvation of others over material wealth. He urges listeners to imitate God's care for the lost and to strive for the salvation of souls, warning against neglecting the spiritual well-being of oneself and others. Chrysostom highlights the need for self-restraint, discipline, and the nurturing of virtues, while condemning the prioritization of worldly possessions over the purity and salvation of the soul.
Epistle 257
By George Fox0EXO 10:26MAT 18:12LUK 5:4LUK 15:4George Fox emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving God and minding His business, encouraging believers to diligently spread the power of the Lord to those who oppose it. He urges the faithful to visit and support new believers, ensuring that none are left behind in spiritual bondage. Fox calls on everyone to actively seek out and bring back those who have strayed, illustrating the immense joy in heaven over one lost soul being rescued and returned to the fold.
The Value of One Soul
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 23:1ISA 53:6EZK 34:12MAT 18:12LUK 15:4John Henry Jowett preaches on the immense value God places on each soul, emphasizing the deep concern and pursuit of the Shepherd for the one lost sheep. Just as a missing face creates a void in a family, a wandering soul leaves a gap in the Father's house. The Shepherd's relentless search in difficult terrains mirrors the lengths to which God goes to seek and save the lost, ultimately rejoicing in the restoration of the lost sheep.
The Great White Throne
By Jack Hyles0MAT 18:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:6ROM 6:23REV 20:11Jack Hyles preaches about the importance of salvation and the consequences of rejecting Jesus Christ, emphasizing the urgency of accepting Him to avoid the Great White Throne Judgment. He highlights the significance of being saved before facing the judgment, as Jesus is interceding for us in Heaven. Hyles stresses the need for individuals to receive Christ, especially at a young age, as statistics show a higher likelihood of salvation before the age of 25. He explains the sequence of events leading up to the Great White Throne Judgment, the importance of staying after sinners to lead them to Christ, and the eternal consequences of not having one's name in the Book of Life.
What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
By Aaron Hills0PSA 8:3ISA 53:6MAT 18:12LUK 19:10ROM 6:23HEB 2:61PE 1:15REV 21:7Aaron Hills preaches on the profound wonder of God's mindfulness towards humanity, as expressed in Psalm 8:3-4. He emphasizes how God's attention and care for mankind surpass even the splendor of the stars and suns in the universe. Hills delves into the reasons behind God's special interest in humanity, highlighting man's status as a criminal rebel, a sick individual in need of healing, a lost soul sought after by God, a sentient being capable of eternal joy or suffering, and a being with endless potential for development towards godlikeness.
The Gospel
By George Kulp0PSA 34:18PSA 119:105PRO 4:23ISA 55:11MAT 18:12LUK 15:7JHN 3:16ACT 16:142CO 5:17HEB 4:12George Kulp preaches on various impactful stories and messages related to faith, transformation, and the power of the Gospel. He emphasizes the importance of attending church with open hearts to receive God's message. Kulp highlights the newness and transformative power of the Gospel, contrasting it with other forms of moral improvement. He shares a powerful story of a seemingly insignificant sermon leading to the conversion of several boys who later became ministers, illustrating the profound impact of one message. Kulp also delves into the significance of discovering the key to one's heart, as seen in a touching story of a troubled boy finding solace in his sister's Bible. Additionally, he discusses the destruction of the Bible, emphasizing the impossibility of eradicating its influence from various aspects of life.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, &c.--This is another of those pregnant sayings which our Lord uttered more than once. See on the delightful parable of the lost sheep in Luk 15:4-7. Only the object there is to show what the good Shepherd will do, when even one of His sheep is lost, to find it; here the object is to show, when found, how reluctant He is to lose it. Accordingly, it is added,
John Gill Bible Commentary
Even so it is not the will of your father which is in heaven,.... This is the accommodation, or application of the parable of the lost sheep to the present purpose, and is the top of the climax or gradation here made use of. First, Christ observes, in order to deter any from despising and offending any of his disciples, even the meanest, that they have angels to be their guardians, who are continually in the presence of God; and next, that he himself in human nature came to be the author of salvation to these persons; and then rises up to the sovereign will of his Father, and their's, the source and security of their everlasting happiness; which will is, not that one of these little ones, that believe in Christ, should perish. It is his will of command that no stumbling block should be laid in their way to cause them to stumble and fall, to the grieving of their souls, the wounding of their consciences, and the perishing, or loss of their peace and comfort; and it is his unalterable will of purpose, or his unchangeable decree, that not one of them, even the meanest, shall perish eternally: in pursuance of which will, he has chosen them in his Son, he has put them into his hands, and secured them in his covenant; and having redeemed them by Christ, and called them by grace, he keeps them by his power, through faith unto salvation. Nor shall anyone of them finally and totally fall away and perish, through the power of their own corruptions, the temptations of Satan, the reproaches and persecutions of men, the frowns or flatteries of the world, or through the errors and heresies of false teachers, or any other way. It is to be observed, that when our Lord, in Mat 18:10, is speaking of the happiness of the angels, and the honour done to the little ones by having such guardians; then the more to aggrandize this matter, he represents those as in the presence of his "Father which is in heaven"; but here, when he would express the wonderful love and grace of God, in the resolutions of his heart, and purposes of his will, to save them, then it is "your Father which is in heaven"; and this, the rather to engage them to the belief of it, since they stood in such a near relation to him, as children to a father: and therefore must be infinitely more concerned for their welfare, than a proprietor of sheep can be, for one that is lost. The Arabic and Ethiopic versions indeed read, "my father", but without any authority; for the phraseology, "the will before your Father", as in the original text; see Gill on Mat 11:26
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:12 Just as a shepherd will work to recover a lost sheep, the “little ones” (18:6) must not be despised or neglected.