A few weeks ago, a friend shared this on their WhatsApp status in line with Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep “…the ninety-nine were once the one”. That simple statement gave me a fresh perspective on this parable, and I’d love to walk you through my thoughts.
For the longest time, I’ve always wondered about the ninety-nine. My mind would go, Do the ninety-nine matter? “What about their safety? What if, in the pursuit of the one, a wild animal comes and prey on the rest? Wouldn’t that leave the shepherd with only one, losing everything after all? That doesn’t seem profitable…” Although the message of the shepherd finding the one is a powerful message of the love of the Father to us all, in my reasoning, I often focused on the majority too—the ninety-nine.
I believe God knew I had questions, even though I hadn’t taken the time to search for answers. But when I saw that status, things became clear to me. Thank you, Jesus.
The story of the ninety-nine.
Dear reader, each of the ninety-nine has a story. Similar to the one lost sheep, they, too, have a redemptive story of how each of them as an outsider were brought into the fold. Each as a lost sheep were found. Each as overlooked, unappreciated, and vulnerable were taken care of by the shepherd. They found their community, found love and belonging and became a part of something big.
That is the mystery of the ninety-nine—each one of them was once the one.
To answer my questions about the safety and well-being of the other ninety-nine while the shepherd left to search for the one, the Spirit of God brought to my mind, John 17: 6- 19 (please take a moment to read these verses). The answer is simple: the ninety-nine are safe, kept, and secured with the Father. No evil will come near them.
11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
– John 17:11-12 (NIV).
We are in a season where people express their love for one another (which is beautiful). In the midst of it all, I hope you embrace the love of the Father too. To the ninety-nine, remember you were once the one. To the one, remember the shepherd is in pursuit of you. He left everything to find you, and He will, and when He does, there will be a great rejoicing.
Jesus loves us all. He cares for us. Whether we are the ninety-nine or the one, we matter to Him.
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
– Olushola
