Matthew 18:10–14: Leaving the Ninety-Nine
Introduction
In the previous passage, Jesus had redefined greatness by insisting that his disciples should learn to recognize a little child who believes in him as great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:1–9). In the course of that section, Jesus not only encouraged his disciples to do everything that they could to receive children, but also to avoid harming those children. Now, Jesus extends this teaching to show us how precious God considers these children to be. Indeed, Jesus explains the very reason why he himself came from the Father into the world: Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.
Discussion Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when he warns us not to “despise” the little ones (v. 10a)? In what ways are we tempted to despise those whom the world counts as insignificant? What do you think that Jesus means when he talks about “their angels” in v. 10b? What kind of esteem does this suggest that the Father has for little children? How does the Father’s fierce love for “these little ones” affect your own thinking about them?
2. What kind of a man would have owned one hundred sheep (v. 12)? Why is the one, lost sheep so important to the shepherd? What would you do to reclaim 1% of your own wealth? Would you go to the same lengths to pursue and to reclaim one wandering, errant sinner? How does this parable teach us to love little children like God does? How does the Bible teach us that we can grow in our affections for whatever God loves?
3. What does Jesus mean when he says that it is not the will of his Father in heaven that one of these little ones should perish (v. 14)? How does this statement relate to the biblical doctrine of predestination? Why should our doctrine of predestination not override the biblical statements of God’s desire that all should be saved? How do those doctrines fit together? Here, what does Jesus teach us about the Father’s love in sending Jesus into the world for sinners?
4. To what degree does God’s heart to save sinners, as Jesus reveals in this passage, weigh on you? When you think of the love of God, do you imagine God’s love toward you to be as committed, desirous, and deliberate as Jesus suggests here? Or, when you think of God’s love, do you recognize the intensity of God’s love toward the lost who do not yet know him? How might God’s burning desire to save sinners prompt you to share the gospel with others?
