Messengers of the GospelSýnishorn

One Lost Sheep

“Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:6-7 NIV)

Over the next few days, we will focus on a group of parables that Jesus told in Luke 15. All these stories focus on searching for lost things. If you are anything like me, you can probably relate to the feeling of losing something like your keys, phone, or even your wallet. Jesus knew that we have all experienced that moment of focus and urgency when we realize that something important has been lost.

The situation in which Jesus told these parables is important. The chapter starts with, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus” (Luke 15:1 NIV). These “tax collectors and sinners” were brand new friends of Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus welcomed men and women from walks of life that the culture hated and judged as shameful or inferior. He sought them out and enjoyed dinners and long conversations with them. He did not hide the fact that these men and women with questionable lifestyles or pasts were his friends.

The following line brings the tension into the story. We read, “But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2 NIV).

These religious know-it-alls didn’t think a rabbi like Jesus should be hanging around “those kinds of people.”

What would Jesus do?

Jesus did not respond directly to their attack. Instead, He chose to use a series of parables— short fictional stories — to help the hearers explore deep truths about God in a relatable way. These three parables of lost things give us a snapshot into the very heart of God.

Over the next few days, we will read portions of this chapter each day to dig deep into the layers of these stories. Some readings will be repeated on purpose. Just like with a great movie, there are details of this story you will only notice after watching it unfold a few times.

The first of these stories is the parable of the lost sheep. In this story, a shepherd has one hundred sheep, but one of them has wandered away. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the lost one. When he finally finds the lost sheep, he calls everyone he knows and says, “Rejoice with me!”

Now, personalize the story for a moment. At one time, you were the lost sheep, and Jesus came for you.

Have you ever imagined Jesus rejoicing— being so full of joy— that he bursts out celebrating over you? Sit in that thought for a moment. Imagine His face, His smile, His excitement when you went from being lost to being found. Imagine Jesus rejoicing about you! It is a beautiful sight. All of Heaven rejoiced with Him!

Now, think of someone you know who does not yet have a relationship with Jesus. Do you have a person in mind? They are away from the Good Shepherd and face the dangers of life and even death apart from God. Now, in your mind, imagine the moment when Jesus shows up in their story and they respond to the message of the Gospel. Imagine Jesus yelling at the top of His lungs, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep!

What will you do in that moment? Will you scream and shout for joy? Will you jump up and down or dance? Maybe you will simply cry those happy tears that come when a dream comes true.

Right now, this may seem like a long shot prayer, like just a dream, or even impossible, but the Good Shepherd hears your prayers, and He is already pursuing your “someone” with His relentless love.

Being a messenger of the gospel is an opportunity to bring joy to Jesus!

Reflection:

How can your prayers for people in your life be shaped by the reality that they are lost, Jesus is pursuing them, and He longs to rejoice over them?