Matthew 18:10-14, The Parable of the Lost Sheep

10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Comments

Jesus warned his mature followers not to despise new, ordinary Christians, who in their vulnerability, need the care of fellow-disciples. They are of great importance to the Father and have angels in heaven. In Daniel, angels represent nations to God. In Revelation, they represent churches. Here Jesus teaches that even individuals have their representatives in heaven before the face of God. God’s pastoral care extends to all believers.

Prayers

Father, I am seeking: I am hesitant and uncertain, but will you, O God, watch over each step of mine and guide me.

(Augustine, 354-430)