Matthew 18:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider the many reasons the Lord gives us to show compassion towards our humble brothers and sisters. Therefore, do not claim that a blacksmith, shoemaker, or farmer is unwise and deserving of disdain. To protect yourself from this harmful attitude, recognize how Christ encourages you through various examples to exercise restraint and care for these individuals. He placed a child among them and declared, "Ye shall be as little children," adding, "Whosoever shall receive one such child in my name, receives me." He further warned that those who lead others astray will face grave consequences, stating it would be preferable for a millstone to be hung around their neck and for them to be cast into the depths of the sea.

It is fitting that He, who once declared, "Take heed lest one of these little ones be despised," incorporates the parable of the ninety-nine sheep left on the hills and the one sheep that strayed, which the good shepherd retrieves and returns to the flock due to its inability to move from profound weakness. Some interpret this shepherd as the one who, despite being in the form of God, did not see equality with God as something to cling to, but instead humbled Himself by taking on the likeness of a servant, remaining obedient to the Father even unto death, specifically the death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-8). It is through this act that He descended to earth to rescue the lost, symbolizing the entirety of humanity.

We find our joy not merely in what we hold securely, but in what we have reclaimed after experiencing loss. The true depth of our happiness does not stem from the constant possession of the former, but rather from the sorrow we endure due to the latter. When we recover what has been damaged, our rejoicing is profound, akin to achieving a significant victory.

Every individual who tends to sheep assumes the role of a shepherd, yet none embodies this role more profoundly than Christ our God. One of His sheep wandered away, and this deviation was not due to the shepherd's negligence but rather the sheep’s own folly. This wandering sheep represents Adam, the first man, whom God created in His divine image and likeness. Through sin, Adam distanced himself from the celestial communion of angels, resulting in the entire human race turning away from God. In these latter days, our Lord came to seek out the very man He had fashioned, aiming to restore all humanity from death to everlasting life. He embraced death on our behalf so that we, who were spiritually dead, could be revived.

If he locates it, he will carry it on his shoulders and return home, calling on his friends and neighbors to say to them, Celebrate with me, for I have found my lost sheep.

Another warning emphasizes the importance of being mindful regarding those outside the community: when your transgressions risk becoming a temptation for others, be vigilant and do not assume that such individuals are insignificant. Is one truly of no value if their angel consistently stands before the face of the Father in heaven? Is one unworthy when the Son of Man Himself came to seek and redeem the lost? This teaching culminates in the parable of the lost sheep and the rejoicing over the one that has been found. This outlines the sequence of actions and lessons that encapsulate the conclusion of Jesus Christ's journey through Galilee.

The discussion regarding the safeguarding of the little ones in faith presented by the Evangelist Mark in verses 49-50 appears to reach a close. However, the Gospel of Matthew extends this discussion further. Jesus expands this idea by addressing a lesser offense towards the faithful children, shifting from outright temptation to their disregard. By correcting the apostles' attitudes towards these lesser siblings, Christ illustrates their immense value in God's eyes: first, the Lord has assigned their guardianship to mighty beings like angels, who perpetually gaze upon the Father in the heavens; second, He has sent His one and only Son for their redemption. The parable of the lost sheep elucidates this purpose of Christ's incarnation, aimed at seeking and saving the perishing. Verse 14 encapsulates the conclusion of this parable, relating it to the central theme of the discussion.

Do not scorn those who appear to be mired in their transgressions, for the Son of Man came to find and rescue the lost. Similar to how each of you searches for a single sheep when it strays from the herd, rejoicing more upon its return than over those that remained safe, the Son of Man descended to earth to seek and redeem those who are lost and in danger, for it is the desire of your heavenly Father that all may attain salvation, that none may be lost. If this reflects God's purpose, and if He sent His Son to save the unrepentant, how can we look down upon those who are flawed, even if their sins are greater than our own? Instead of regarding the one who has gone astray with disdain, let us love the individual within, support him, and lead him back to the path of righteousness from which he has deviated, to save him.

The Lord illustrated this profound truth through a vivid parable taken from the life of a shepherd, previously used on a different occasion (Luke 15:3-7): “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the mountains and go after the one that is lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.” The Heavenly Father, who sent His Son into the world for its redemption (John 3:17), has great care for believers—they hold a special place in His heart. Therefore, it is not the Father's desire that any of these little ones should perish. How can we possibly look down upon those whom God values so deeply?