Sunday of ONE

Never Lost

Luke 15

Summary: Luke 15 contains three parables – the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son, illustrating God's relentless love and pursuit of His lost children.

Application: In our struggles and weaknesses, we can find comfort in the fact that Jesus loves us unconditionally and goes to great lengths to seek and save the lost. This passage encourages us to turn to Jesus in our times of need, knowing that His love for us is unwavering.

Teaching: This sermon teaches us that no matter how lost we may feel, Jesus sees us, values us, and welcomes us back with open arms. It reminds us that God's love is not based on our performance but on His grace and mercy.

How this passage could point to Christ: In Luke 15, Jesus is portrayed as the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep, the diligent woman searching for the lost coin, and the compassionate father welcoming back the prodigal son. This passage highlights Jesus' mission on earth to seek and save the lost, ultimately foreshadowing His sacrificial love on the cross.

Big Idea: The extravagant love of Jesus knows no bounds and extends to all who are lost, offering forgiveness, restoration, and hope. This passage reveals the heart of God towards sinners and the depth of His love for each one of us.

Recommended Study: In preparation for this sermon, delve deeper into the cultural context of the parables in Luke 15, exploring the significance of lostness and redemption in biblical times. Use Logos to study the original Greek words used in the parables for a richer understanding of Jesus' message of love and reconciliation.

You Are...

1. Worth Searching For

Luke 15:1-7

Perhaps you could start by highlighting Jesus' parable of the Lost Sheep to illustrate His ceaseless effort in seeking out the one that is lost. This point could emphasize the message that no matter how far we stray, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, tirelessly searches for us until He finds us. It serves as a comforting reminder of Jesus' personal care and attention towards each of us, embodying the depth of His extravagant love.

2. Valued Beyond Measure

Luke 15:8-10

You might consider using the parable of the Lost Coin to depict Jesus' meticulous search for the lost, akin to the woman who lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds it. This can signify how God values each of us and goes to great lengths to bring us back into His presence. It's a powerful portrayal of how our worth and value in God's eyes prompt His relentless pursuit, even in our darkest moments.

3. Embraced by the Father

Luke 15:11-32

Maybe explore the parable of the Prodigal Son as the climax, emphasizing God's boundless grace and willingness to forgive and restore us, no matter our past. Highlighting the father's eager anticipation and joyful reception of his returning son could serve as a vivid illustration of God's unfathomable love and mercy towards us, inviting us to return to Him with the assurance of acceptance and celebration. This can deeply connect with the idea that Jesus' love for us is indeed extravagant, offering us a new identity and a place in His family.