First streamed on 5.31.23. First posted on 6.2.23. Also see the previous Matthew 18:12-14 sermon.
Many sheep will go astray — due to deceitful people (Mt 18:6-7) and/or to our own deceitful passions (Mt 18:8-9).
But when people go astray and are deceived into falling away from the faith (Gk. πλανάω | planaō) (Mt 18:12; cf. Mt 24:11, 24-25; Mk 13:5; 1 Cor 6:9-11; 1 Tim 6:10 (ἀποπλανάω | apoplanaō); Jas 5:19-20; 1 Pet 2:24-25; Is 53:6 (LXX); 2 Pet 2:15), let’s not look down on them (Mt 18:10); let’s look out for them.
When a sheep goes astray, a bad shepherd might say, “who cares?”
But, thanks be to God, we have a good shepherd who cares.
The LORD, who is our Shepherd (cf. Ps 23:1; 1 Pet 2:24-25, 5:4, etc.), appoints overseers to watch over us – both heavenly angels (Mt 18:10) and earthly undershepherds (cf. 1 Pet 5:2-4).
Yet, no matter our position, we all should embrace our humble, lowly status (Mt 18:1-5), and look out for the Lord’s “little ones” (Mt 18:6) — His feeble sheeple.
The Father does not want even one of His *true* sheep (cf. Mt 7:15; 13:20-22; Jn 10:27) to be lost for all eternity (Mt 18:14; Jn 10:28-29). And, neither should we.
Let’s reach out to those who have stumbled in sin (Mt 18:12, 15-17) and fallen away from the flock — seeking to save them from danger (Jas 5:19-20).
And when a straying sheep is brought back into the sheepfold safe and sound, it’s cause for great joy (Mt 18:13)!
So, let’s strive to be like a good shepherd. For a good shepherd cares!
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5-31-23 Bible Study Slides Matthew 18_12-14
Bibliography
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