Now Jesus continues his teaching to the twelve apostles about their soon to come responsibility in the Church ... the Kingdom of Heaven. These future leaders must focus on, and value as the greatest, the little ones as illustrated in this parable of the lost sheep.

The 'others' are valuable to our LORD so much so that HE will spare no expense in searching for 'one' who has strayed from the flock. One could glean from this parable that the disciples would have to chase after a wayward sheep someday. But let's remember that this illustration of the lost sheep echoes the greater gospel truth.

If God the Father sends HIS Son after the wayward sinners of humanity, then too we who will be the faithful of the flock must chase after those in our midst who stray from the flock.