Grow Through The Gospels - Luke 15, 16

Read: Luke 15, 16

Luke 15:4-6 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’”

Think

A.W. Tozer wisely said, “The only safe place for a sheep is by the side of his shepherd because the devil does not fear sheep; he just fears the Shepherd, that is all.” Picture the shepherds of Judaea, navigating scarce pastures and dangerous terrain, constantly vigilant and ready to protect their flock. They would risk their lives to save even one lost sheep, driven by love and responsibility. The village would celebrate when a lost sheep was found, rejoicing in the shepherd's dedication and the sheep's safe return. This illustrates the immense value placed on each sheep and the joy of finding the lost.

Shepherds were at the bottom of the social ladder and were often seen as uneducated and dirty. For Jesus to use the image of a shepherd to teach the Pharisees was ironic and powerful. The Pharisees prided themselves on their righteousness, yet Jesus challenged them to see the humble shepherd's dedication and care. This parable highlighted God's relentless pursuit of every lost soul, contrasting the Pharisees' pride with the shepherd's humble service. It calls us to humble ourselves and recognize the value of each person in God's eyes.

Jesus's parable of the lost sheep reveals the depth of God's love for sinners. Imagine the shepherd leaving the 99 to find the one lost sheep, risking everything to bring it back. This story shows that God's love defies logic; it's about grace and mercy. Repentance brings immense joy in heaven, much like the shepherd rejoicing over finding his lost sheep. This parable challenges us to reflect on our attitudes toward others and recognize God's immense value on every person, regardless of their past (Luke 15:7).

The key theme in this parable is God's boundless grace and mercy and the joy that comes from repentance. The lost sheep represents sinners who run from God, and the shepherd's pursuit illustrates God's relentless love. This parable encourages us to embrace God’s grace and extend it to others, celebrating every act of repentance with joy and gratitude (Matthew 18:12-14).

Apply

When you or others turn back to God, celebrate it. One of the ways we celebrate is through baptism. If you have not been baptized, now is the time! Tell the world of your commitment to Christ and allow others to celebrate with you!  There is joy in heaven over every sinner who repents (Luke 15:10).

Pray

Lord, thank you for your never-ending pursuit of me when I was a sinner. Teach me to celebrate repentance, both in my life and in the lives of others. Help me be aware of others far away from you and guide them toward you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.