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Matthew 18

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

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?

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.

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

What does Matthew 18:12 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:12 metaphorically describes God's concern for each individual within His flock, particularly those who are lost or have strayed from the path.

The verse suggests that among a hundred sheep, if a single one is missing, the shepherd will leave the ninety-nine that are safe to search for the one that is lost.

This demonstrates the value placed on each individual and illustrates God's persistent effort to reach out to those who have wandered away from His guidance.

The deeper meaning here is a message of redemption and care, emphasizing that every person is precious in God's eyes, and no effort is spared in trying to bring the wayward back into the fold.

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Historical Context

Matthew 18:12 is set in a time when pastoral life was common in the Middle East, and the imagery of shepherds and sheep was well understood by Jesus' audience.

Shepherding was a central part of the economy and culture in ancient Israel.

Sheep required constant care and attention, and a good shepherd was expected to protect and keep track of each member of his flock.

During the time of Jesus, parables that included references to shepherds and sheep were relatable to the people and effectively communicated spiritual truths.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, this verse communicates the infinite worth of every soul to God and the extent of His grace.

From a Calvinist perspective, it illustrates the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, where God will ensure that those who belong to Him will be preserved and not ultimately lost.

Meanwhile, Arminian theology might emphasize God's prevenient grace, highlighting that God seeks out individuals before they turn to Him.

The Catholic tradition often relates this parable to the sacrament of reconciliation, indicating that God is always ready to forgive and accept penitent sinners back into His grace.

Practical Applications

This parable can teach people the importance of compassion and reaching out to those who have lost their way in life.

It encourages individuals to not give up on others, no matter how far they have strayed.

It also serves as a reminder for those who feel lost or remorseful that there is always a path to return and that they are valued.

The verse inspires the practice of active community care, urging people to take initiative in offering help and support to those who struggle.

Cross-References

Luke 15:4-7: "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"
Ezekiel 34:16: "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment."
John 10:11-14: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep ...

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text that are worth examining include:

"astray" (πλανάω - planao): meaning to wander, to lead astray, or to deceive.
"seeketh" (ζητέω - zeteo): meaning to look for, search after, or strive for.

Understanding the original meanings of these words provides depth to the verse, highlighting the intentional action of the shepherd to search and the sheep's condition of being misled or lost.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The image of a shepherd seeking a lost sheep is not unique to Christianity; it resonates with other cultural and religious narratives.

For instance, in the ancient Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh, the king is depicted as a shepherd.

The metaphor reflects a ruler's responsibility towards his subjects.

In Zoroastrianism, leaders were often compared to shepherds, signifying their role in guiding the community.

This common motif reinforces the universal idea of leadership and care in various traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse is metaphorical, scientific perspectives can provide insight into the behavior of sheep and the shepherding practices mentioned. Research on animal behavior reveals that sheep have strong flocking instincts and can become distressed when isolated.

From an ethological standpoint, the parable accords with the observed behavior of shepherds who prevent predation by maintaining the integrity of their flock, which involves rescuing lost sheep.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered various interpretations of Matthew 18:12.

Some, like John Calvin, see it as an expression of God's provident care, while others, such as Albert Barnes, emphasize human responsibility in cooperating with God's efforts to save the lost.

Modern commentaries often focus on the social implications of the parable, considering it a call to action for believers to actively engage in seeking and helping the marginalized within society.

Some commentaries also delve into the literary composition of the Gospel of Matthew, exploring how this parable fits into the larger narrative and its thematic developments.

Matthew 18

Matthew 18

What does Matthew 18:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 18:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?