Restorative Justice | Monday | 9/7

Because Losing People Matters

Matthew 18:10–14

“Be careful that you don’t look down on one of these little ones. I say to you that their angels in heaven are always looking into the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If someone had one hundred sheep and one of them wandered off, wouldn’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillsides and go in search for the one that wandered off? If he finds it, I assure you that he is happier about having that one sheep than about the ninety-nine who didn’t wander off. In the same way, my Father who is in heaven doesn’t want to lose one of these little ones.

Jesus tells a story about a shepherd with one hundred sheep. When one wanders away, the shepherd goes looking.

From an efficiency standpoint, ninety-nine out of one hundred isn't bad. But Jesus isn't talking about efficiency. He's talking about people.

The shepherd goes because losing one matters.

That's important because immediately after telling this story, Jesus begins teaching about conflict: “If your brother or sister sins against you, go.”

These aren't unrelated ideas. The shepherd goes after the wandering sheep because losing the sheep matters. Jesus tells the wounded person to go to their brother or sister because losing one another matters too.

That's a radically different way of thinking about conflict.

When relationships become difficult, walking away can seem easier. Sometimes separation really is necessary. But Jesus begins from the conviction that people are worth pursuing. Before giving up on one another, there is holy work to be done.

Reconciliation begins when we decide that the relationship matters enough to try.

Reflect

Is there a relationship in your life where God might be calling you to take a faithful step toward repair?

Pray

Jesus, teach me to value people the way you do. Give me courage to pursue reconciliation where it is possible and wisdom to know what faithfulness requires. Amen.