Parable of the Lost Sheep

Parables of Jesus Series

A parable is a story taken from real life or a common situation in life in order to make a spiritual point. Jesus told parables to teach truth to open hearts and challenge resistant ones.

Parable of the Lost Sheep - Luke 15:1-7

Have you gone crazy trying to find something in your house and not given up until you found it? Jesus tells us a parable of a shepherd that is on a mission to find one of his lost sheep. This shepherd does not give up until he finds the sheep and brings it safely home.

In Luke 19:10, we learn why Jesus came: “The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

In Matthew 9:11-12, He tells us who He came for: those who are sick and in need of a doctor.

We must guard ourselves from judgment toward others who may be lost, thinking we are better. God does not judge us by degrees of sin, for all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. All of us need His salvation.

He does not look at us with judgment but compassion.  

Three primary lessons from this parable:

1. 1. Our God is searching for those who are missing and lost. 

a. He does not just see the crowd, He sees the one. 

b. He sees you and knows right where you are.

c. Jesus doesn’t wait for people to find their way into religious spaces, He goes to them.

d. Lostness is a specific state of being

1. - Sheep often fall into pits, ditches, and they get stuck in the thicket. They see something that looks appealing, and they go after it with no thought of the consequences.

We do not have the ability to save ourselves.

1. 2. Our Shepherd carries the burden of those missing.

a. By the time the Shepherd finds the missing sheep, that sheep is completely exhausted. They’ve done everything they knew to do and couldn’t get free.

b. God does not drive us harshly back to the flock, He carries us on His shoulders.

c. This is not a reluctant or disappointed rescue but one of great joy and pride.

d. He uses His rod and staff to guide and protect us.

1. 3. Our Shepherd rejoices when those missing come home.

a. He throws a celebration for every single one of us. It is not exclusive.

b. Just as a father does not sleep until he knows his family is safe and sound in the house, how much more does God yearn for those who aren’t yet home?

c. We have an opportunity not only to celebrate but also to partner with the mission of God.

1. - Compassion for others is birthed in us when we remember Christ’s compassion for us.

How should we now live?
 

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 NIV

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

1. 1. We cannot be ambassadors if we have not first received and embraced the ministry of reconciliation.
2. 2. This ministry belongs to everyone, not just pastors or evangelists. 
3. 3. Remember that it is not your responsibility to save someone who is lost. Salvation belongs to God alone. We get to share the compassion and love that we have received from God. We get to show people who is our Good Shepherd.