In the parables of the lost sheep, the lost son, and the lost coin, it becomes clear that it is we who are lost and God who seeks to find us. Those in the position of danger are the ones who presume upon their relationships with God.
Focus Scripture – Luke 15: 4-7HIDESHOW
4 "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? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 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.
Extended SummaryHIDESHOW
In the parable of the lost sheep—just like the parables of the lost son and coin—it is God who is looking for us. And again, the danger is for the Pharisees and the teachers of the law and all others who presume upon their relationships with God.
We all have a sense that we are lost. In our best moments we have a sense that pursuing God will help. And in those very moments it is God prompting us to do this, for God is always pursuing us and occasionally, we cooperate! The image of the lost sheep is helpful because it is clear how passive the sheep is in the story. The sheep wonders off. The shepherd goes in pursuit. When the shepherd finds the sheep the response is one of love and joy expressed by lifting the sheep up off the ground, placing it around the shepherd’s neck and bringing it home to celebrate.
When Christ died on the cross for us this is what he was accomplishing for us! We are the sheep being brought home to the celebration! It’s time to wake up to this reality and join in with joy! There is no greater source of meaning and fulfillment than knowing this and experiencing it as true in our lives.
We all have a sense that we are lost. In our best moments we have a sense that pursuing God will help. And in those very moments it is God prompting us to do this, for God is always pursuing us and occasionally, we cooperate! The image of the lost sheep is helpful because it is clear how passive the sheep is in the story. The sheep wonders off. The shepherd goes in pursuit. When the shepherd finds the sheep the response is one of love and joy expressed by lifting the sheep up off the ground, placing it around the shepherd’s neck and bringing it home to celebrate.
When Christ died on the cross for us this is what he was accomplishing for us! We are the sheep being brought home to the celebration! It’s time to wake up to this reality and join in with joy! There is no greater source of meaning and fulfillment than knowing this and experiencing it as true in our lives.
Practical Applications (homework)HIDESHOW
In the story of the Shepherd and the Lost Sheep, we get a picture of God searching for the lost – which is all of us! In one way or another, we’re all like wandering sheep looking for meaning in our lives apart from God. And because of it, we end up in places where we’re not supposed to be. Here’s a homework idea:
- Make a list of ways you’ve been a “stupid sheep.” Maybe you messed up and missed opportunities. Maybe you’re carrying around pain or shame. Maybe your life feels empty. Or, maybe on the surface you have it all together. Whatever the case, make a list of the things you do to make yourself feel better. How do you try to get meaning and significance apart from God?
- Now, imagine yourself as a little child and you’re lost. You were with one of your parents, but now you’ve wandered off and got separated. You might be in a forest, a department store or the state fair. Spend a few minutes getting in touch with how scared you are, and how you wish you hadn’t been so foolish.
- In the middle of this anxiety, feel a familiar hand on your shoulder and cringe. Think about how mad or disappointed your mom or dad is going to be that you wandered off. Instead, turn and see God’s face and realize that he’s overjoyed to have found you.
- Feel him pick you up in his strong arms and hug you cheek to cheek. Then, he starts to carry you home, holding you tightly the entire way and whispering, “It’s going to be okay. I’m so glad I found you – I love you so much.”
- Now, try to apologize for the ways you’ve been a “stupid sheep” that you wrote down earlier. But see God interrupt, gently put his finger to your mouth and smile lovingly. Hear him whisper that he loves you for YOU, not for how smart you are or for what you do. Feel him hug you even tighter and spend a few minutes letting him hold you.
Reflection QuestionsHIDESHOW
- Read each of the supporting texts. What stood out to you most from this message and the supporting texts?
- What does it mean that the sheep is so passive in this parable? What can the sheep do? What can only God do? How does this affect the way we relate to God?
- In a sense, it is easy to see why the Pharisees and teachers were offended at Jesus. Most of us do separate ourselves from people who live in ways that we disagree with. How does it really make you feel that Jesus rejoices over and with people we probably would not associate with?
- Who are the sheep? Clearly the Pharisees and teachers didn’t think of themselves as lost, but were they? Who may not think of themselves as lost today? What is the danger in this?
- Can you imagine God as the shepherd searching diligently just for you individually? Isn’t that exactly what the point of this parable is?