October 3, 2021

Pastor Laurie Stuck

Matthew 18:10-14

Six observations of this text:

• Scripture refers to Christians as sheep: Psalms 23:1, Isaiah 53:6, Psalms 100:3 and 1 Peter 2:25
• Scripture refers to Christians as children: John 1:12, 1 John 3:2, Ephesians 5:1
• Scripture is true: Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." is a parallel verse to Matthew 18:12, that is not included in the body of today's passage, but is footnoted below, in the ESV.  Whether verse 12 should be included here, is a matter of study.
• In Scripture is a parallel passage to Matthew 18:10-14: Luke 15:1-7.  In Matthew, Jesus is talking to the disciples or believers in Christ; in Luke, Jesus is talking to the scribes and Pharisees or unbelievers.
• Scripture demonstrates Jesus' intimate relationship with His own.  In today's passage, "one" is repeated: v. 10, 12 and 14, demonstrating care, concern and compassion for His own.  
• Scripture teaches that every believer is equal.  Christ says: "These little ones" in verses 10 and 14. (Colossians 3:11) 

1.  How do any of the above observations help to give you a foothold of what is happening in this text?  What is new to you and/or what sparks your interest?

2.  In verse 10, Pastor Laurie taught that Jesus was giving a command and a warning. "When we despise a fellow believer, we despise Christ."  Where have pride, arrogance, selfishness or self-centeredness played a role in your life this week?  

3.  We spent time recalling Acts 12.  We learned the role angels do play: the care of the church, to protect believers, to serve believers at their death, to care for believers, and we learned that angels keep their eyes on God. (Ps. 34:7, Heb. 1:14). How did today's teaching help to clear up any misconceptions or questions you may have had?  

4.  In verses 12-14, Jesus invites the disciples to reason with him.  He continues the parable of the lost sheep.  Breakdown the parable together:  

• What's a possible reason Jesus used sheep in this parable?
• Why doesn't the sheep return on his own?
• Why does the shepherd bother with one sheep?
• Why would the sheep be in danger?
• How does the shepherd know His sheep?
• Why does the shepherd rejoice?
• What does the shepherd do in the Luke passage that is not included here?

5. Pastor Laurie recited a verse from "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing": "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love..."  What causes you to go astray?  How do we know Christ is looking for us when we stray?  What will keep you from going astray?  Who is the sheep the Lord is inviting you to pray for and reach out to, to return to the fold?

6.  What is significant about Ezekiel 34:11-12?  Why is it a great promise?