Note 4 at Mt. 18:12: This parable is simply illustrating how much God loves people. He even loves those who have gone astray (Isa. 53:6; Ezek. 33:11; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 2 Pet. 3:9). As Jesus said in a similar parable (Lk. 15:7), "I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine persons, which need no repentance." Once we experience the life-changing power of Christ, there is a tendency to become harsh and impatient with others who continue to live their lives without Him. We sometimes forget that it was the love and goodness of God that brought us to repentance (Rom. 2:4), and we become condemning and judgmental towards the lost. This is not the attitude that Jesus had nor the attitude He wants us to have.

One reason Jesus drew the multitudes was because they perceived His genuine love for them. This parable is teaching us that we should have this same compassion for those who have gone astray. The next few verses (Mt. 18:15-17) are teaching the same compassion for a brother or sister in the Lord who has gone astray.