Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 19 May 2024
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 18

Subject: “Do not despise one of these little ones”

INTRODUCTION

10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?
13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Matthew 18:10-14

1. Regard for little ones

a) This is something that needs to be carefully considered

b) There is much to discover and to develop

2. Disregard of little ones

a) This must not happen

b) There are vital truths that we must consider

LITTLE ONES IN THE BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

1. They have “angels” that look after them

2. Angelic beings stand in the presence of God

This is a truth that must be given due consideration

LITTLE ONES IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE LORD JESUS

1. The Lord Jesus cares for the little ones

2. He came to save that which is lost

a) Little ones can be saved

b) They need the salvation of the Lord as much as adults

PARABLE OF THE NINETY AND NINE

1. A man has a hundred sheep

a) 99 are safe in the fold

b) But one has gone astray

2. What would the good shepherd do?

a) He leaves the 99 in the safety of the fold

b) He goes out and seeks the stray sheep

i) He searches high and low

ii) He will go to the mountains in search of the stray sheep

3. The Joy of the good shepherd

a) He finds special joy when the stray sheep is found

b) He rejoices greatly

THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER

1. It is not His will to see anyone go astray

2. Going astray can lead to death

3. His desire is to see all come to salvation

4. He is particularly concerned about little ones

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To cultivate a heart of love for little ones

2. To care for them as much as possible

a) Especially for those who have gone astray

b) They need to know the Lord as Saviour

c) They need to learn how to relate to His as a loving Shepherd