The Heart of God for the Lost

Luke 15:1–10 ESV

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek 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 that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Theme (Present Tense):

God passionately seeks the lost and rejoices when they repent.

Objective:

To help the congregation understand God’s heart for the lost, challenge them to reflect that same compassion, and encourage them to actively seek and celebrate the salvation of others.

Introduction:

Imagine a father in a crowded mall losing his little daughter. One moment she’s right beside him, and the next, she’s gone. Panic sets in—he frantically searches, calling her name, scanning the crowd. Nothing else matters in that moment. Then, finally, he hears her voice. He rushes to her, scoops her into his arms, and breathes a sigh of relief. His joy over finding her overshadows everything else.

This is the heart of God toward the lost—He is relentless in His pursuit, and He rejoices when they are found.

1. The Compassion of the Shepherd (Luke 15:1-4)

A. Jesus Welcomes Sinners (vv. 1-2)

The Pharisees and scribes were upset that Jesus ate with sinners.

Jesus came for the lost, not for those who thought they were righteous.

🔹 Cross References:

Matthew 9:10–13 ESV

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Luke 19:10 ESV

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

🔹 Life Application: Do we have the heart of Jesus? Are we welcoming to sinners, or do we judge like the Pharisees?

📖 Historical Illustration: In ancient Jewish culture, table fellowship was a sign of deep acceptance. Religious leaders believed eating with sinners made them unclean. Yet, Jesus broke this tradition, showing that God’s love reaches beyond human barriers.

B. The Shepherd’s Concern for the Lost (v. 4)

The shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one—a radical act of care.

The lost one mattered enough to risk everything.

🔹 Cross References:

Ezekiel 34:11–12 ESV

“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.

John 10:11 ESV

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

🔹 Life Application: God is not passive about lost souls—He goes after them. Do we?

📖 Historical Illustration: In biblical times, sheep were entirely dependent on their shepherd. If lost, they would not survive alone. Shepherds would even break a wandering sheep’s leg and carry it until it learned to stay close. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, carries us back when we stray.

II. The Determination of the Search (Luke 15:5-8)

A. The Shepherd Searches Until He Finds the Sheep (v. 5)

He does not stop halfway or give up.

God’s pursuit of the lost is relentless and personal.

🔹 Cross References:

Philippians 1:6 ESV

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 62:12 ESV

And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.

🔹 Life Application: Never stop praying for lost loved ones—God is still seeking them.

📖 Historical Illustration: In ancient times, shepherds traveled rugged terrain, risking their own safety to find lost sheep. David, as a shepherd, fought lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-35). God fights for His lost ones too.

B. The Woman Searches Diligently for the Coin (v. 8)

The coin had value, and losing it meant financial loss.

She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully.

🔹 Cross References

Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

🔹 Life Application: The lost have value in God’s eyes, and we must pursue them with urgency.

📖 Historical Illustration: The lost coin was likely part of a bridal dowry, symbolizing security and status. Losing one coin was a serious matter. Just as she searched diligently, God is passionate about finding those who are spiritually lost.

III. The Joy of Restoration (Luke 15:6-10)

A. Heaven Rejoices Over One Sinner’s Repentance (vv. 6-7)

More joy over one lost person returning than over 99 who feel no need to repent.

God’s greatest delight is in redemption.

🔹 Cross References:

Isaiah 35:10 ESV

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Acts 3:19 ESV

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

🔹 Life Application: Do we celebrate when people come to Christ, or do we act indifferent?

📖 Historical Illustration: When Billy Sunday, a famous evangelist, held revival meetings in the early 1900s, bars shut down, and entire towns were transformed. When one soul repents, the effects ripple through families and communities.

B. The Community Rejoices When the Lost is Found (vv. 9-10)

The woman calls her friends to celebrate the found coin.

The church should be a place of joy when lives are changed.

🔹 Cross References:

Nehemiah 8:10 ESV

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Psalm 126:3 ESV

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.

🔹 Life Application: Do we cultivate a culture of celebration when people find Christ?

📖 Historical Illustration: In 1741, when Jonathan Edwards preached "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," people cried out in repentance, and revival swept through New England. Heaven rejoices over sinners coming home, and so should we.

Conclusion & Altar Call

Jesus told these parables because He wanted people to understand that God passionately pursues the lost. You might be here today feeling far from God—maybe you’ve wandered, maybe you feel like you’ve been forgotten. But God is searching for you, calling your name.

Or maybe you know someone who is lost. You’ve prayed, but you’ve started to lose hope. Don’t give up—God never stops searching.

🔹 Call to Action:

If you’re lost today, come home. Jesus is seeking you, and heaven is ready to rejoice.

If you know someone who is lost, commit to praying for them and being part of God’s pursuit.