For the Son of ManThis title, "Son of Man," is one Jesus frequently used to refer to Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission. It is rooted in
Daniel 7:13-14, where the "Son of Man" is depicted as a heavenly figure with authority and an everlasting dominion. This title underscores Jesus' role as the Messiah and His identification with humanity, fulfilling the prophecies of a savior who would come in human form.
came
The term "came" indicates the purposefulness of Jesus' mission. It suggests pre-existence and intentionality, affirming the belief that Jesus' coming was part of God's divine plan for salvation. This aligns withJohn 1:14, which speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, highlighting the incarnation as a pivotal event in redemptive history.
to save
The primary mission of Jesus is encapsulated in this phrase. "To save" refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, a central theme in Christian theology. This salvation is not just a rescue from physical danger but a spiritual redemption, as seen in passages likeJohn 3:17 andLuke 19:10. It reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such asIsaiah 53, which foretold a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many.
the lost
"The lost" refers to those who are spiritually estranged from God, akin to the lost sheep in the parable found inLuke 15:3-7. This phrase highlights the universal need for salvation, as all humanity is considered lost due to sin (Romans 3:23). It underscores Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd, who seeks out and saves those who are lost, fulfilling the prophecy ofEzekiel 34:11-16, where God promises to search for His sheep and rescue them.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus (Son of Man)The central figure in this verse, Jesus refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," a title that emphasizes His role as the Messiah and His identification with humanity. This title is rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel, where it signifies a divine figure with authority.
2.
The LostThis term refers to those who are spiritually lost, separated from God due to sin. Jesus' mission is to seek and save these individuals, highlighting His role as the Savior.
3.
The DisciplesAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of
Matthew 18 involves Jesus teaching His disciples about humility, forgiveness, and the value of each individual in the kingdom of God.
Teaching Points
Understanding Jesus' MissionJesus' primary mission was to save those who are lost. Recognizing this helps us understand the heart of the Gospel and the purpose of His earthly ministry.
The Value of Every SoulEvery individual is valuable in the eyes of God. Jesus' mission to save the lost underscores the worth of each person, encouraging us to view others with compassion and urgency.
Our Role in Jesus' MissionAs followers of Christ, we are called to participate in His mission by sharing the Gospel and reaching out to those who are spiritually lost.
Humility and DependenceRecognizing our own lostness without Christ fosters humility and dependence on Him for salvation, aligning with the broader teachings of
Matthew 18 on humility.
Rejoicing in SalvationCelebrate and rejoice in the salvation that Jesus offers, both personally and within the community of believers, as a reflection of the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 18:11?
2.How does Matthew 18:11 emphasize Jesus' mission to save the lost?
3.What actions can we take to seek and save the lost today?
4.How does Matthew 18:11 connect with the parable of the lost sheep?
5.Why is understanding Jesus' purpose in Matthew 18:11 crucial for Christian living?
6.How can we apply the message of Matthew 18:11 in our communities?
7.Why is Matthew 18:11 omitted in some Bible translations?
8.How does Matthew 18:11 relate to the concept of salvation?
9.What historical evidence supports the inclusion of Matthew 18:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18?
11.Why does the Bible use parables and metaphors instead of direct statements?
12.Why were certain verses removed from the NIV Bible?
13.What were Jesus' characteristics and personality like?
14.How can we reconcile Jesus's prophecy in Matthew 16:28 that some disciples would not die before seeing the Son of Man coming with the fact that they all eventually died?What Does Matthew 18:11 Mean
ForMatthew 18:11 opens with “For,” tying the statement back to verse 10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.” The conjunction shows that the reason we must value every believer—especially the seemingly insignificant—is that Jesus Himself values them enough to rescue them.
• Verse 10 reminds us their angels always behold the Father’s face; verse 11 adds that the Son personally seeks them. (CompareLuke 15:1-7.)
• God’s heart for the weak and overlooked runs through Scripture—Isaiah 40:11;Ezekiel 34:11-16;Romans 5:6.
the Son of ManThe title “Son of Man” points to Jesus’ messianic authority (Daniel 7:13-14) and His shared humanity.
• As God incarnate He has power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6) and lordship over the Sabbath (Mark 2:28).
• His identification with us means He understands our vulnerabilities (Hebrews 4:15), making His rescue personal and compassionate.
came“Came” underscores purpose: Jesus did not merely appear; He was sent on a mission.
•John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
•Galatians 4:4—God sent His Son “born of a woman, born under the Law” to redeem.
•John 3:17—He was sent “that the world might be saved through Him,” not condemned.
to saveSalvation here is rescue from sin’s guilt, power, and ultimate penalty.
•1 Timothy 1:15—“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
•Acts 4:12—“There is no other name under heaven…by which we must be saved.”
•Hebrews 7:25—He is able “to save completely those who draw near to God through Him.”
His saving work involves substitutionary death (1 Peter 2:24) and victorious resurrection (Romans 4:25), guaranteeing new life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
the lost“The lost” pictures people as straying sheep—vulnerable, unable to return on their own.
•Isaiah 53:6—“All of us like sheep have gone astray.”
•Luke 19:10 echoes our verse: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
•Matthew 18:12-14 immediately follows with the parable of the one wandering sheep and the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find it, illustrating:
– Individual worth: every soul matters.
– Active pursuit: the shepherd goes “after the one.”
– Restoring joy: “He rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.”
“The lost” includes anyone separated from God by sin—religious or irreligious (Matthew 9:12-13;Ephesians 2:1-5).
summaryMatthew 18:11 declares the heartbeat of Jesus’ earthly mission: “For the Son of Man came to save the lost.” Flowing from verse 10, it explains why believers must never despise even the smallest disciple—each is cherished enough for the Lord to seek, find, and redeem. The verse affirms:
• A purposeful Savior—He “came.”
• A powerful Savior—He “saves.”
• A personal Savior—He seeks “the lost,” one by one.
Knowing this, we echo His values, welcoming every believer, sharing His gospel with the wandering, and resting in the certainty that the Good Shepherd never ceases His saving pursuit.
(11)
For the Son of man is come.--The words are wanting in many of the best MSS. Assuming their genuineness, two points call for special notice. (1.) The work of the Son of Man in saving that which was lost is given as the ground of the assertion of the special glory of the angels of the little ones. They are, in their ministry, sharers in His work, and that work is the highest expression of the will of the Eternal Father. To one at least of the disciples the words that he now heard must have recalled words that had been addressed to him in the most solemn crisis of his life, when he had been told that he should one day "see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man" (
John 1:51). In that ascent and descent they were not only doing homage to His glory, but helping Him in His work. (2.) The words seem chosen to exclude the thought that there was any special grace or saintliness in the child round whom our Lord had folded His arms. To Him the child's claim was simply his need and his capacity for all that is implied in salvation. The words which He spake were as true of any "wastrel" child of the streets as of the offspring of the holiest parents.
Verse 11. - This verse is omitted by the Sinaitic and Vatican Manuscripts, and many modern editors,
e.g., Lachmann, Tischendort, Tregelles, Westcott and Hort, and the Revised Version; but is retained in many good uncials, nearly all the cursives, the Vulgate, Syriac, etc. It is supposed to be an interpolation from
Luke 19:10; but one does not see why, if this is the case, the inter-polater should have left out the striking verb "to seek," which would naturally have coincided with "seeketh" in ver. 12. For expository use, at any rate, we may consider the verse as genuine, and take it as the commencement of the second argument for the dignity of the little ones - the simple and humble, whether children or others. This proof is derived from the action of God towards them.
The Son of man is come to save that which was lost (
τὸ ἀπολωλός). How can ye despise those whom Christ hath so loved and deemed so precious that he emptied himself of his glory and became man in order to save them? The general term, " that which was lost," is expressed by the neuter participle, to show that there is no exception to the wide scope of Christ's mercy. The race of man is lost; infants are born in sin; all need redemption. Everybody, poor, helpless, ignorant, tempted, comes under this category, and to save such Christ came down from heaven. Therefore their souls are very precious in his sight.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article.Sonυἱὸς(huios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent.of Manἀνθρώπου(anthrōpou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race.has comeἮλθεν(Ēlthen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.to saveσῶσαι(sōsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4982:To save, heal, preserve, rescue.that whichτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article.has been lost.ἀπολωλός(apolōlos)Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 622:(a) to kill, destroy, (b) to lose, to be perishing (the resultant death being viewed as certain).
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NT Gospels: Matthew 18:11 For the Son of Man came (Matt. Mat Mt) 
