The Heart of the Father: Relentless Pursuit of the Lost and Our Persistent Response

Title: "The Heart of the Father: Relentless Pursuit of the Lost and Our Persistent Response"

Scripture: Luke 15:1-10, Luke 18:1-14

Introduction:

Opening Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with hearts full of gratitude. Thank You for this brand-new day, for Your mercies that are new every morning, and for bringing us together as Your family. Lord, as we gather to hear Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand Your love in a deeper way. Help us to see ourselves and others through Your eyes—each of us valuable and cherished beyond measure. Speak to us through these parables, Holy Spirit, and help us to grasp the depth of Your pursuit, the joy You find in us, and the grace You extend to all who turn to You. Let this time be one of transformation and renewal, and may everything we do this morning bring glory and honor to Your name. We ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Statement

"Good morning, church! Today, we explore two of Jesus' well-known parables—the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin—alongside another powerful lesson He gives in Luke 18. These stories remind us not only of God's relentless pursuit of us but also of our role in seeking Him. Through the shepherd, the woman, and the teachings in Luke 18, we can see God's heart for the lost and how we should respond to His love with humility and persistence."

I. The Value of the Lost (Luke 15:3-5, 8-9)

Jesus tells us in Luke 15 about a shepherd with a hundred sheep who loses one and about a woman with ten coins who loses one. In both stories, what was lost is so precious that the shepherd and the woman drop everything to find it. This is an incredible picture of God’s love for each of us.

To many, a single sheep or coin might not seem worth such a dedicated search. But to the shepherd, every sheep has inherent value, and to the woman, each coin is important. Jesus is telling us that no matter how small we may feel, no matter how insignificant we believe our lives might be, we are precious in His sight.

In a world that often places value on wealth, influence, or status, Jesus reminds us that God's love is personal. He doesn’t see us as a crowd; He sees us individually, and He cares when even one of us is lost. The value God places on you is beyond measure.

Explanation:

In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin to demonstrate God's immense value for every individual. The shepherd and the woman in these parables show a determination that reveals just how important the lost is. Even though one sheep out of a hundred or one coin out of ten might seem insignificant to others, to God, each of us is uniquely precious.

Argumentation:

Many people struggle with feeling insignificant, thinking their lives don't matter to God because they are just one among billions. However, these parables argue against such thoughts, emphasizing that God doesn’t view us merely as part of a crowd. He cares for each person individually, and He is willing to go to great lengths for even one lost soul. If God places such value on each of us, we must reject the notion that anyone is beyond His care.

Application:

Take a moment to reflect on how you view yourself and others. Do you believe that God values you as much as He values everyone else? Do you also value others as God does, even those whom society might overlook? Practically, this means reaching out to those who may feel forgotten or marginalized, affirming their worth, and reminding them of God’s love.

Illustration:

Picture a young child who has lost their favorite stuffed animal. To others, it may seem like just a toy, but to that child, it is irreplaceable. The child will search high and low, even crying out for it, until it is found. God searches for us in the same way, valuing us far beyond what anyone else might see.

II. The Relentless Search (Luke 15:4, 8; Luke 18:1-8)

Not only does God value us, but He also searches relentlessly when we are lost. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine in open country to find the one lost sheep. The woman lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds the lost coin. This imagery speaks to God’s heart—a heart that goes after us, even in our brokenness and rebellion.

This relentless pursuit is further highlighted in Luke 18:1-8, where Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow. The widow continually comes before the unjust judge, and though the judge doesn’t fear God or care about people, he eventually gives in due to her persistence. Jesus teaches us here that our God, who is just and loving, will respond when we cry out to Him persistently.

God searches for us, but He also invites us to persistently seek Him. Just as He doesn’t give up on us, we are called not to give up in seeking His presence and His will. Whether you feel lost in the wilderness like the sheep or hidden away like the coin, know that God is seeking you, and He invites you to persist in your relationship with Him, trusting that He hears and responds.

"No one gets left behind."

Lilo & Stitch This line captures the essence of God’s love that leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, reminding us that every individual is precious and God will not leave anyone behind.

Explanation:

The parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin show a relentless search by the shepherd and the woman. They do not rest until they find what is missing. Similarly, in Luke 18, Jesus teaches about a persistent widow who keeps coming before an unjust judge until she receives justice. These passages illustrate God’s relentless pursuit of us and invite us to also seek God persistently.

Argumentation:

The imagery of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep and the woman lighting a lamp to search highlights God’s determination to seek each lost soul. Some may argue that if someone is lost, they must make their way back on their own. But these parables show us the contrary: God actively searches for those who are lost. Furthermore, Luke 18 reminds us that God honors our persistence, unlike the indifferent judge. He is not passive in His pursuit, and neither should we be passive in our search for Him or in our prayers for others.

Application:

Are there areas in your life where you need to seek God more persistently? Perhaps there are people you’ve been praying for who seem distant from God. Take heart and continue to pray and search for them, knowing that God’s heart never gives up. Let your prayers and actions reflect God’s own relentless pursuit.

Illustration:

Imagine a parent searching for a missing child in a crowded place. The panic and urgency drive the parent to search without rest until the child is found. That is how God searches for us when we are lost, and it is how we are called to seek Him and care for others—with urgency, persistence, and love.

III. The Joy of Restoration and the Posture of Humility (Luke 15:5-7, 9-10; Luke 18:9-14)

In both the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin, the moment the lost is found is a moment of great joy. The shepherd joyfully carries the sheep home on his shoulders, and the woman calls her neighbors to celebrate. Jesus tells us that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent. This reveals God’s immense joy in seeing those who are lost come back to Him.

Yet, in Luke 18:9-14, Jesus adds an important perspective about how we approach God—through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee prays proudly, listing his good deeds, while the tax collector stands at a distance, humbly asking God for mercy. Jesus says it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who goes home justified before God. This parable teaches us that, while God is searching for us, we must come to Him with humility, recognizing our need for His grace.

The shepherd doesn't scold the sheep for wandering off; he rejoices. The tax collector, humble and repentant, finds justification in God. Heaven rejoices when we, like the lost sheep, are found—not because of our own merits, but because we recognize our need for the Shepherd.

Explanation:

In both parables of Luke 15, the shepherd and the woman rejoice greatly when they find what was lost. Jesus tells us that heaven also rejoices over one sinner who repents. In Luke 18, Jesus contrasts the prayers of a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector, emphasizing that God honors those who approach Him with humility. Joy in restoration and humility in approach are essential to understanding God’s heart.

Argumentation:

The joy of restoration shows us that God's heart is filled with love, not judgment. He isn’t waiting to scold us for wandering away; He is eager to welcome us back and celebrate. On the other hand, Jesus uses the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to show that humility is what brings us into right standing with God. It’s not our self-righteous deeds but our recognition of our need for God’s grace that brings true restoration. These parables argue against spiritual pride and for the humble recognition of our dependence on God.

Application:

We need to examine our hearts—are we more like the Pharisee or the tax collector? When others come to Christ, do we celebrate with joy, or do we harbor judgment and pride? Let's be a church that reflects God’s heart, celebrating every return and ensuring that our posture is one of humility.

Illustration:

Picture a family member who has been estranged for years suddenly coming back home. The reunion isn’t filled with accusations or blame; instead, there’s laughter, tears of joy, and a meal of celebration. This is the heart of God—a heart that delights in restoration. Let us learn to rejoice as heaven rejoices and to approach God with the humility of someone who knows they need Him.

IV. Our Role as the Church

These parables challenge us not only to understand God's heart but also to share in His mission. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to join in the search for those who are lost. Like the shepherd, we must be willing to leave the comfort of the ninety-nine and go into the wilderness for the one. Like the woman, we must light a lamp, sweeping diligently to find what is missing.

And as we do so, we are also reminded by Luke 18 to remain humble, not elevating ourselves above others, but recognizing that we are all in need of God’s grace. Our role is not to judge but to seek, to serve, and to celebrate when the lost are found.

Explanation:

These parables challenge us as the body of Christ to join in the mission of searching for the lost. Jesus wants us to reflect His heart by being actively engaged in the pursuit of those who are missing from God’s fold. We must light the lamp, sweep the house, and leave the ninety-nine to seek the one.

Argumentation:

The shepherd doesn’t think twice about leaving the ninety-nine to find the one; the woman doesn’t hesitate to light a lamp and sweep the house. This is an example for us as a church. Our mission is not just to be content with who is already inside but to care deeply about those who are still outside. It challenges the tendency toward complacency or exclusivity, urging us to value each lost person as God does.

"It's not about how much we lost, it's about how much we have left."

Avengers: Endgame (Tony Stark) This quote echoes the sentiment that God doesn't focus on our mistakes or where we’ve been lost; instead, He celebrates and values what is found, emphasizing restoration over loss.

Application:

As the church, we must be intentional about reaching out to those who feel disconnected, whether it's a family member, friend, or community member. We need to reflect God’s heart, showing persistence in loving others and celebrating every step they take towards God. Practically, this might mean reaching out to someone who has been absent from church, serving in outreach programs, or simply being present in someone’s life during a difficult time.

Illustration:

Think of a rescue mission searching for a missing hiker. Every member of the team has a role to play—some comb the forest, others organize logistics, and everyone works tirelessly with one goal: to find the lost person. In the same way, each one of us has a role in God’s mission. We aren’t spectators; we are part of the rescue team, called to search for those who need to be brought home.

Conclusion:

Church, today let us be reminded of God's relentless pursuit of every soul, His heart that values each of us, and His joy in seeing us restored. Let us also learn from the persistent widow to seek God without giving up and from the tax collector to approach God with humility.

If you are feeling lost today, know that God is seeking you, and He invites you to respond with humility and persistence. And if you know someone who is lost, be like the shepherd or the woman—search diligently, love fiercely, and celebrate joyfully when they are found.

Let us pray.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible love You have for each of us—a love that pursues us even when we are lost, a love that never gives up, and rejoices at our return. Lord, help us to truly understand how precious we are in Your sight and to value others the same way. Give us hearts that are relentless in seeking the lost, hands that are eager to serve, and spirits that are humble before You. Teach us to persist in prayer, to be faithful in our pursuit of Your will, and to celebrate every moment of restoration with joy. May we be a church that reflects Your love, Your compassion, and Your grace in everything we do. As we leave this place today, may we carry Your light into the world, seeking those who need Your touch, just as You have sought us. We pray all this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

I Leave you with this:

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Winnie the Pooh (Christopher Robin) This line can remind us that, just like the lost sheep or coin, even when we feel insignificant or unworthy, God sees value, courage, and potential in us.