Matthew 18:11

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Matthew 18:11 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to a larger passage in which Jesus teaches His disciples about humility and forgiveness. In the preceding verses, He calls His followers to become like little children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, and He warns against causing others to stumble in their faith.

Some ancient manuscripts do not include this verse, and many scholars consider it a later addition to the text. Even so, its message aligns with the overall teaching of Jesus’ ministry and is echoed elsewhere in the New Testament.

Meaning

Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of man”, a title He often used to describe His role as the Messiah. Here He declares the very purpose of His coming: to save that which was lost.

The word “lost” describes humanity, separated from God by sin and unable to rescue itself. Jesus came in search of the lost, found them, and saved them. This was the great object of His life; though He was obscure and little in the eyes of the world, that cannot be worthy of contempt which the Son of God sought by His toils and His death.

Biblical connections

This verse closely parallels Luke 19:10, where Jesus states the same mission of seeking and saving the lost. That verse reinforces the meaning of Matthew 18:11 by making explicit the seeking that is implied here, showing that Jesus’ purpose was not passive but active pursuit of those who had wandered.

Application

This verse reminds us of God’s great love and mercy. Jesus came not for the righteous, but for sinners who were lost and in need of a Saviour. It highlights the inclusive nature of God’s salvation, reaching out to all who are willing to repent and believe in Him.

As followers of Jesus, we are encouraged to have a heart for the lost and to share the good news of salvation with others. Our mission, like Jesus’, is to seek and save the lost through the power of the Gospel.

Reflection

If God had so great a regard for these little ones as to send His Son to save them, then they should not be despised. This verse calls us to see the worth of every person through the eyes of the Saviour who came to redeem them.