Drawing on the realities of pastoral life, Jesus said: “If a certain man comes to have a hundred sheep and one of them gets strayed, will he not leave the ninety-nine upon the mountains and set out on a search for the one that is straying? And if he happens to find it, I certainly tell you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that have not strayed. Likewise it is not a desirable thing with my Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.” (Matthew 18:12-14) Let us see how Jesus here paints a portrait of Jehovah’s tender concern for each of His worshippers.

Applying the illustration, Jesus said that God does not want “one of these little ones to perish.” Earlier, Jesus had warned his disciples against stumbling “one of these little ones who put faith in [him].” (Matthew 18:6) What, then, does Jesus’ illustration teach us about Jehovah? He is a Shepherd who deeply cares about each of his sheep, including the “little ones”​—those who may seem of little importance from the world’s standpoint. Yes, in God’s eyes, each of his worshippers is distinct and precious.