Matthew 18:13 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 18:13 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not 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. The greater rejoicing over the found sheep — more than over the ninety-nine — communicates the disproportionate value of recovery. The community that celebrates the return of the strayed brother with disproportionate joy is modeling the shepherd's heart. The value of the recovered one is not diminished by the wandering but intensified by it.

Church Fathers on Matthew 18:13

The Lord had said, under the type of hand, foot, and eye, that all kin and connection which could afford scandal must be cut off. The harshness of this declaration He accordingly tempers with the following precept, saying, 'Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones;' i. e. As far as you may avoid despising them, but next to your own salvation seek also to heal them. But if ye see that they hold to their sins, it is better that ye be saved, than that ye perish in…
Jerome · 4th century

Or otherwise; As to shun the evil, so to honour the good, has great recompense. Above then He had bid them to cut off the friendships of those that gave offence, here He teaches them to shew honour and service to the saints.
Chrysostom · 4th century

Or otherwise; Because so great evils come of brethren being scandalized, 'Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones.'
Gloss (Glossa Ordinaria) · medieval compilation · ap. Anselm

Read all 26 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a reflection on this verse

No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!