April 18 2025

Friday April 18

The Joy of Finding the Lost Sheep

Luke 15:1-7

1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15 has become one of my favorite chapters in the Bible over the years. This passage paints a vivid picture of God’s heart for the lost. The chapter begins with tax collectors and sinners, people who are despised and rejected by society, are drawing near to Jesus, eager to hear His words. They sense something different about Him. He doesn’t push them away or condemn them; instead, He welcomes them, even eats with them, showing genuine care. This scandalizes the Pharisees and scribes, who see themselves as righteous and above such “sinners.”

Their grumbling reveals their lack of love for the lost, but Jesus responds with a parable that unfolds in three stories about a lost sheep, a lost silver coin, and a lost son, all which reveal God’s love and heart for sinners. In these stories we clearly can see the Trinity. Jesus, the Savior seeking the lost sheep in the wilderness, the Holy Spirit lighting the candle, cleaning the house, seeking the lost silver coin, and God the Father patiently waiting for the lost son to come back home to fellowship with Him!

In the first story, a shepherd with a hundred sheep notices one is missing. That one sheep matters so much that he leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness to search for it. He doesn’t give up until he finds it, and when he does, he doesn’t scold it or drive it back harshly. Instead, he gently lifts it onto his shoulders, carries it home, and throws a celebration with his friends, shouting, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” Jesus explains the punchline: heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over the ninety-nine who think they need no repentance.

What does this tell us? First, it shows God’s relentless love. Like the shepherd, God seeks out those who are lost, people who’ve wandered away, whether through foolishness, rebellion, or ignorance. No one is too far gone for His pursuit. Second, it reveals the value God places on every single person. The shepherd didn’t say, “It’s just one sheep; I still have ninety-nine.” Each one is precious, worth leaving the fold to rescue. Third, it highlights the joy of salvation. The shepherd’s celebration mirrors heaven’s joy when a sinner turns to God. Angels rejoice, and God Himself delights in the return of His own.

This parable challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, quick to judge or distance ourselves from those we deem “unworthy”? Or do we reflect Jesus, who draws near to the broken and outcast with compassion? The truth is, we’re all like that lost sheep at some point, foolishly straying, helpless, and in need of a Savior. (Read Isaiah 53:6). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to seek and save us (Luke 19:10), carrying us home on His shoulders. And now, He calls us to join Him in His mission to seek the lost.

There is a fourfold joy expressed when a lost sinner comes to the Savior. There is certainly joy in the heart of the person who is found. Both Scripture (Acts 3:8; 8:39) and our own personal experience verify the joy of salvation. But there is also the joy of the person who does the finding. Whenever you assist in leading a lost soul to faith in Christ, you experience a wonderful joy within (Psalm 126:5-6). Others join with us in rejoicing as we share the good news of a new child of God in the family (v. 6), and there is also joy in heaven (Luke 15:7, 10).

Challenge

This week, let’s live out the heart of the Good Shepherd. Pray for one person in your life who seems far from God, maybe someone you might naturally overlook or judge. Ask God to soften their heart and give you an opportunity to show them His love.  Reach out to that person with a small gesture of kindness, a conversation, a meal, or a note of encouragement. Show them the same grace Jesus showed the tax collectors and sinners. 

Let’s commit to being people who seek the lost, not because we’re perfect, but because we’ve been found by the Shepherd’s love.

Prayer 

Lord Jesus, thank You for seeking us when we were lost. Fill us with Your compassion for those who are far from You. Give us courage to reach out, wisdom to share Your love, and joy in seeing others come to You. May our lives reflect the celebration of heaven. In Your name, Amen.

God bless!