When Sheep Wander: God's Pursuit

Opening: The Shepherd's Heart

Matthew 18:12–14 — '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? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.'

Question 1: Who Are the 'Little Ones'?

Jesus uses the phrase 'little ones' throughout Matthew 18. Based on verses 4–6, who is He actually talking about? (Hint: Look at the phrase 'who believe in me' in verse 6.)

Cross-reference: Matthew 18:4–6

Question 2: Why Does One Matter So Much?

In the parable, the shepherd leaves 99 sheep to search for one. Why would God care so intensely about a single believer who wanders into sin? What does that reveal about His character?

Cross-reference: Luke 15:10; Psalm 100:3

Question 3: What Does 'Going Astray' Look Like?

The sermon described going astray as wandering off into sin or being deceived. What are some real ways a Christian teenager might 'wander' today — not necessarily leaving the faith entirely, but drifting from God?

Question 4: The Process of Restoration

Read Matthew 18:15–17. Jesus outlines a step-by-step process when a brother or sister sins. Why do you think He starts with private conversation (verse 15) rather than public confrontation?

Application: Have you ever had to lovingly confront a friend about something serious? What made it hard? What made it worth it?

Question 5: Despising vs. Pursuing

Verse 10 warns us not to 'despise' these little ones. The sermon pointed out that it can be easier to despise someone else's struggles than to pursue them with patience. When have you been tempted to write someone off instead of helping restore them?

Cross-reference: Matthew 18:10; Galatians 6:1

Debate & Discussion: Is Church Discipline Loving or Harsh?

Some people say that confronting someone's sin (even privately) is judgmental and unloving. Others say that ignoring sin and letting someone drift away is the real failure of love.

Divide into two groups and argue both sides for 5 minutes. Then discuss:

• How does the shepherd imagery in verses 12–14 shape your view of what 'discipline' really means?
• How is pursuing a wandering believer different from being judgmental or controlling?
• What role does humility (verse 4) play in how we approach restoration?

Final thought: Read Psalm 23:3 together — 'He restores my soul.' How does knowing God is your Shepherd change the way you think about your own sin and struggles?