What Jesus Did! 'Finding the Lost' — Matthew 18:12-14

Sunday, August 24, 2025

[Jesus continued,] "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish."
— Matthew 18:12-14 NLT

Key Thought

The Father loves all of his little ones. He doesn't want any of them to perish, to be lost, or even to be in danger. So he is willing to do something extreme, like the shepherd. That is why God came in Jesus, Immanuel. He left the safety of heaven to find the lost one, to find you and me. Now he looks to us and asks us to find the other lost little ones.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, I am intensely aware and deeply awed that you came to find me, one of your lost children. Give me your heart for those who are lost, too. This week, lead me to one you want back in your family, and please give me the eyes to see that person when you place him or her in my path. Please give me the courage and conviction to act in ways that gently bring that lost person home. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Jude 1:20-25
  • Galatians 6:1-2
  • Hebrews 3:12-14

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 18:12-14 NLT — Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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