Lost Things, Lost People

Series: Until Heaven is Full - Week 2, January 2025

Luke 15:8–32 (MEV)

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins and losing one, does not light a candle and sweep the house and search diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.’ Likewise, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Then He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ So he divided his estate between them.

“Not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together, and journeyed to a distant country, and there squandered his possessions in prodigal living. When he had spent everything, there came a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and hired himself to a citizen of that county, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. He would gladly have filled his stomach with the husks that the swine were eating, but no one gave him any.

“When he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have an abundance of bread, and here I am perishing with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ So he arose and came to his father.

“But while he was yet far away, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran and embraced his neck and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him. And put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. Bring here the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and be merry. For this son of mine was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ So they began to be merry.

“Now his older son was in the field. As he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’

“He was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and entreated him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! These many years have I served you. Nor have I ever transgressed your commands, yet never have you given me a goat, so that I might be merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed the fattened calf for him.’

“He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. But it was fitting to be merry and be glad, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”

What We Know About His Heart

God's Seeking Nature:

John 4:23 (MEV)

Yet the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. For the Father seeks such to worship Him.

Value of One:

Luke 19:10 (MEV)

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Joy in Finding:

Zephaniah 3:17 (MEV)

The Lord your God is in your midst,

a Mighty One, who will save.

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will renew you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Maybe you spent 45 minutes searching for your keys. They weren't in their usual spots. Not on the hook by the door. Not on the desk. Not in a coat pocket. The longer you searched, the more frustrated I became. Why? Because you had an important meeting, and without these keys, I couldn't get there.

But here's what's interesting - while you were searching, You found:

Three pens you thought you had lost. An old photo you had been looking for and a gift card you forgot you had

Sometimes, when you're looking for one lost thing, you find others that were lost, too.

Jesus tells three sequential parables revealing God's heart for the lost:

Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)

Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)

Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)

I. Three Pictures of Lostness

A. The Lost Coin: What's Missing from Home

One of ten coins - like God counting His own (2 Timothy 2:19)

Diligent searching - reflecting God's pursuit (Psalm 139:1-3)

In the house but hidden - like many close to faith:

Acts 17:27 (MEV)

that they should seek the Lord so perhaps they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.

We should pray that the Holy Spirit will fill us with a deep desire to reach people with the message and compassion of Jesus.

B. The Lost Son: Who's Far from Home

Chose to leave - humanity's condition:

Isaiah 53:6 (MEV)

All of us like sheep have gone astray;

each of us has turned to his own way,

but the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

He respects freedom and allows choice. He doesn't force us to do anything and loves us unconditionally. His love for us is patient.

Celebration at return - Heaven's response (Luke 15:7)

C. Common Elements

Something/Someone Valued

"What woman having ten coins..." (Luke 15:8)

"This my son was dead..." (Luke 15:24)

Every person matters:

Matthew 10:29–31 (MEV)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore do not fear. You are more valuable than many sparrows.

Every single individual is a treasure to Him. Likewise, if He treasures them, then shouldn’t we treasure them?

Intentional Response

Lights lamp, sweeps house (Luke 15:8)

Father watching, running (Luke 15:20)

God's initiative:

Romans 5:8 (MEV)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

II. Our Response

A. See What God Sees

Every person has value

Created in God's image (Genesis 1:27)

Christ died for all:

2 Corinthians 5:15 (MEV)

And He died for all, that those who live should not from now on live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

B. Do What God Does

1. Actively Seek

Like Jesus with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus actively sought out Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society. Despite Zacchaeus being an outcast, Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus' home, showing that no one is beyond God's reach. In the same way, we should actively seek those who are lost or marginalized, offering them God's love and acceptance.

Like the shepherd leaving the 99 (Matthew 18:12): The parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's relentless pursuit of each individual. The shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one lost sheep, emphasizing the value of every person. We are called to seek out the lost with the same determination, prioritizing their salvation over our comfort.

Regular prayer for the lost (Romans 10:1): Paul expresses his heartfelt desire and prayer for the salvation of Israel. Our prayers for the lost should be consistent and fervent, asking God to open their hearts and draw them to Himself.

2. Patiently Love

Like the father waiting (Luke 15:20): In the parable of the prodigal son, the father watches and waits patiently for his son to return. When he sees his son from a distance, he runs to him with open arms. This patient, expectant love is a model for how we should love those far from God, always ready to welcome them back.

Love perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7): True love, as described in 1 Corinthians, is enduring. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. This kind of love does not waver even when faced with challenges or rejection.

Never give up (Galatians 6:9): We are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good because, in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This perseverance in loving and reaching out to others mirrors God's unwavering commitment to us.

By doing what God does—actively seeking the lost and patiently loving them—we align ourselves with His mission and reflect His character in the world. This approach not only transforms lives but also brings us closer to fulfilling the Great Commission

Three Responses:

1. Identify

Who's missing from God's family?: This step involves recognizing the individuals around us who have not yet experienced a relationship with God. It could be friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors. The goal is to develop an awareness of those who might be spiritually lost or seeking.

Prayer by name (Colossians 4:2-3): Paul encourages the Colossians to be devoted to prayer, staying watchful and thankful. He specifically asks for prayer that God may open doors for the message of Christ. Similarly, we should pray by name for those not yet part of God’s family, asking God to work in their hearts and open opportunities for us to share the gospel with them.

Make your "Lost List": Create a list of individuals you know who must encounter God's love and grace. This list serves as a tangible reminder to pray for them regularly and seek meaningful opportunities to engage with them.

2. Invest

Build relationships: Genuine relationships are key to sharing the gospel effectively. Investing in relationships means spending time, showing interest, and being present in others' lives. Building trust and connection creates a foundation for meaningful conversations about faith.

Show Christ's love (1 Thessalonians 2:8): Paul writes about sharing the gospel and his life with the Thessalonians because they had become dear to him. This highlights the importance of loving others deeply and sharing our lives with them as a reflection of Christ’s love. By doing so, we demonstrate the gospel's transformative power through our actions and interactions.

Take one step this week: Identify a practical step you can take this week to deepen a relationship or show Christ’s love to someone on your "Lost List." This could be an act of kindness, an encouraging word, or an invitation to spend time together.

3. Invite

Share your story: Your testimony of faith is a powerful tool in inviting others to know Christ. Sharing how God has worked in your life makes the gospel relatable and tangible. Your story can inspire others to seek a relationship with God.

Ready to answer (1 Peter 3:15): Peter advises believers always to be prepared to answer everyone who asks for the reason for the hope they have, doing so with gentleness and respect. Being ready to share your faith involves knowing what you believe and why so you can confidently and kindly explain your hope in Christ.

Extend God's welcome: Inviting someone into God’s family means extending the same warm welcome that God offers to us. This could be through inviting them to church, a Bible study, or simply into a deeper conversation about faith. The invitation should be filled with grace and love, reflecting God’s heart for all His children.

By identifying those who need Christ, investing in their lives, and inviting them to experience God’s love, we actively participate in God’s mission of reconciliation and transformation. Each step is a practical way to live out the Great Commission in our daily interactions

Closing

[Return to keys illustration]

Until heaven is full means:

Every lost coin found

Every lost child home

Every empty chair filled

2 Peter 3:9 MEV

The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness. But He is patient with us, because He does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.