Leaving the 99: The Call to Seek the Lost
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18 that if a shepherd has one hundred sheep and one goes astray, he leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one. This simple yet profound parable reflects the heart of God—a relentless, self-sacrificing love that pursues the lost. As believers, we are called to share in this mission, stepping out of our comfort zones to bring hope to those who are wandering, wounded, or forgotten.
A Heart for the One
The story of Desmond Doss, a World War II medic who refused to carry a weapon yet saved 75 men in a single battle, powerfully illustrates this kind of selfless pursuit. Under constant enemy fire, Doss repeatedly ran into danger, praying, “Lord, help me save one more.” He risked his own life, not for personal gain, but because he valued the life of each wounded soldier.
As Christians, this should be our cry: Lord, help me reach one more. The heart of God is not content with leaving even one soul lost. He calls us to seek the hurting, the broken, and the overlooked.
Who Are the Lost Today?
In our world today, there are countless individuals who are lost—not only spiritually, but physically and emotionally as well. There are three groups that urgently need us to be the hands and feet of Jesus:
- The Needy – Those who are struggling with physical, mental, or spiritual hardship. Whether it’s the homeless, the sick, or the lonely, we are called to be radically generous and meet their needs. Scripture reminds us in Matthew 25 that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger, we are serving Christ Himself.
- The Neglected – Those who are trapped, forgotten, or stuck in cycles of pain. Widows, orphans, prisoners, and the marginalized need someone to advocate for them. James 1:27 tells us that true religion is to care for orphans and widows in their distress. This means stepping into uncomfortable places to help those who feel invisible.
- The Nations – There are over 7,000 people groups around the world who have little or no access to the Gospel. In many places, people have never heard the name of Jesus, have no Bibles in their language, and no churches in their communities. Jesus commands us in the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches the ends of the earth.
The Cost of Leaving the 99
Leaving the 99 to seek the one is not easy. It requires stepping out of comfort, prioritizing others over ourselves, and sometimes even risking rejection or hardship. But Jesus Himself modeled this for us. He left the glory of heaven to enter a broken world, living among sinners and ultimately sacrificing His life to bring us back to the Father.
Our role in this mission is not to be the Savior—that is Jesus’ job. Instead, we are like sheepdogs, guiding the lost back to the Good Shepherd. We listen to His voice, follow His direction, and help lead others to safety in Him.
A Challenge for Today
If heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7), why don’t our hearts break for the lost? Why aren’t we more passionate about seeking the one? Perhaps we need to pray for God to soften our hearts, to align our desires with His, and to fill us with boldness and compassion.
Today, let’s ask God to open our eyes to the lost around us. Let’s be willing to leave our comfort, to reach out to the hurting, and to pursue the one who needs rescuing. May our prayer echo that of Desmond Doss:
“Lord, help me save one more.”