That’s Not a Promise, It’s a Threat
The parable of the lost sheep reconsidered
This article follows from one in which a list of seven parables was presented. Each of those seven parables supposedly possesses a secret meaning which can be discerned through careful study. This article will focus on an examination of the first parable from that list: The Shepherds.
It was determined that the only parable this could refer to is the Parable of Lost Sheep:
I’m not seeing any secret layers of meaning jump out at me here. What I do see is a parable that does not first appear in Mark. This tells us that Matthew is originating the idea for his own purposes. We need to examine the context to get a better idea of what he is up to.
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5…
