Parables of Matthew: A Reflection on Matthew 18:12–14

Continuing with the study of the Parables in Matthew

There are moments when a passage of Scripture doesn’t just speak to me—it stops me. Matthew 18:12–14 is one of those passages. Every time I read it, I feel as though Jesus is gently placing His hand on my shoulder, reminding me of something I’m far too quick to forget.

Jesus says:

“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 18:12 (KJV)

Those words hit differently when I imagine myself as that one sheep.

When I Realize I’m the One Who Wandered

It’s easy to read this parable and think of “other people”—the ones who drift, the ones who wander, the ones who lose their way. But the more honest I am with myself, the more I see my own footprints in the dust, leading away from the Shepherd.

Sometimes I wander through distraction. Sometimes through stubbornness. Sometimes through fear or weariness.

And yet, Jesus describes a Shepherd who doesn’t shrug His shoulders and say, “Well, at least I still have ninety-nine.” Instead, He goes after the one. He goes after me.

The Joy of Being Found

Jesus continues:

“And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.” — Matthew 18:13 (KJV)

That line always humbles me. The Shepherd doesn’t scold. He doesn’t drag the sheep back in frustration. He rejoices. He celebrates the return of the one who wandered.

I think about the times in my life when God has pulled me out of places I had no business being—moments when I felt lost, ashamed, or spiritually numb. And yet, when I turned back, I didn’t meet condemnation. I met joy. Grace. Relief. A Shepherd who was glad to carry me home.

The Heart of the Father

Jesus ends the parable with a truth that steadies me every time:

“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” — Matthew 18:14 (KJV)

Not one. Not the strong ones. Not the weak ones. Not the wandering ones. Not the ones who feel like they’ve messed up too many times.

This is the heart of God: persistent, pursuing, patient love.

What This Parable Means for My Walk Today

When I sit with this passage, a few things rise to the surface for me:

• I’m never too far gone for God to seek me.
• My value to Him isn’t diminished by my failures.
• His joy in restoring me is real, not reluctant.
• I’m called to reflect that same heart toward others who wander.

This parable isn’t just a story about sheep. It’s a story about me—and about the Shepherd who refuses to give up on me.

And honestly, that truth alone is enough to carry me through the day.

Discovering the Path of Salvation books by Stephen Luckett