Does He Leave the 99 And Go After The One?

Read

Luke 15:4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

Think

Sheep don’t get lost on purpose. They wander—sometimes just a few steps at a time—until suddenly, they realize they’re alone. Once separated from the flock, panic sets in. They don’t know how to get back. Unlike other animals, sheep can’t survive long on their own. They’re vulnerable, easy prey. If the shepherd doesn’t come, they won’t make it.

Maybe you know that feeling. Maybe you never meant to drift, but life happened. Distractions, disappointments, bad choices, or just slow, quiet steps in the wrong direction have left you feeling lost. And now, you wonder if anyone even notices you’re missing. Jesus does.

In Luke 15:4, Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep behind to search for the one that is lost. Not because the 99 don’t matter, but because the one is missing. And when he finds it, he doesn’t scold or punish it—he lifts it onto his shoulders and carries it home, rejoicing.

That’s how Jesus sees you. He’s not standing at a distance, waiting for you to fix yourself and find your way back. He’s already searching, already calling your name, already stepping through the wilderness to bring you home.

Maybe you’ve convinced yourself you’ve gone too far, made too many mistakes, or that you’re not worth the effort. But the Shepherd isn’t keeping score. He isn’t debating whether you’re worth it. He has already decided. You are.

So stop hiding. Stop running. Let yourself be found. Because no matter how far you’ve strayed, you are never beyond the reach of his love. And when he finds you, he doesn’t just bring you back—he rejoices.

Apply

Stay close to the shepherd. Once found, the sheep stays with the shepherd. What’s one habit you can build to stay close to Jesus? Maybe it’s starting your day in prayer, joining a Bible study, or simply reminding yourself daily that you are fully loved and pursued by him.

Pray

God, I know I’ve wandered in ways I didn’t even realize, but I’m so grateful that you never stop pursuing me. Help me to stop making excuses, to hear your voice, and to trust that your love is greater than my failures. I surrender to you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.