One Sheep

“Then He said to them, ‘What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? …'” (Matthew 12:11-12)

Jesus cares for each person like a man who owns only one sheep in this world. A man who owns a single sheep is aware of every sound, movement and mannerism of that animal. He knows how long it’s hair is, how much it eats, its favorite foods, habits and where it likes to be scratched and petted. It is his only possession and so he is knowledgable about it.

You could not ask someone else details about the sheep. However, even if you would ask a sheep expert, you would only receive general information about sheep. For example, the sheep expertwould say that sheep eat grass, and are sheared for their wool.” It would not be specific; about that one particular sheep. But ask the owner of that one sheep and he will ask you to make your question more specific. “What do you want to know?” he would say. “I know everything about that sheep. It is all I have.”

Likewise, Jesus understands people more than any other “people expert.” He understands our need for salvation, the effects of sin and the root of all sickness. We can believe Him and trust His word because He cares for us in such a personally invested and specific way.

Although Jesus mentions a sheep in Matthew 12:11-12, He helps us see that people are more valuable than a sheep.

We cannot hug or have a sheep as a part of our family. But through the cross, God has claimed humanity. Every person belongs to Him. He did not come to suffer and die for animals. He went to the cross for you, and knowing everything about you. He did it for you.

Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord sall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

Jesus likes you and knows what is taking place in your life. He is interested in you.