The Will of God: Part 3Sample

The Will of God is to Pursue Those Who Go Astray

• Who are we not to despise in this passage?
• Do you think He is only truly talking about children in this passage or another group of people?
• Who do you know that has “gone astray” when it comes to trusting in Jesus?
• Who do they have committedly watching over them?
• What are ways you have judged those who have gone astray from God rather than intentionally pursued them with love, care and shepherding? What people intimidate you when it comes to “bringing them back to the fold”?
• How might God want you to do that? How can you be a shepherd? A rescuer?
• We’ve read Old Testament passages that say God has mercy and compassion on some and hardens the hearts of others for His glory. What do we see the will of God the Father is in this passage? How do we reconcile this since we know God’s character never changes?
• Back in Biblical culture, it was more about group identity than individual identity. God would rescue “His people” as a group. Here He is revealing that He cares about the individual. How does this analogy of the shepherd leaving the 99 for the one show how much God values each and every person turning to Him? 

Thank God for how much He pursues and desires to rescue those who have walked away from Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to check your heart attitude toward people who have walked away. Confess any judgement. Ask the Holy Spirit how you can be intentional to pursue that person.