One lost Sheep

Introduction

Has anyone in the group lost something valuable? How did it make you feel? what did you do?

Luke 15:1–7 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.

Observations of the text

Who told the parable?

Who was the parable being told too?

Why was the parable being told?

Where were they? somewhere between Galilee to Jerusalem

What can we learn about shepherding and sheep? (History)

Who is the shepherd in this story?

Key themes of the text

The value of one soul

God’s seeks. We are passive in our lostness

Heaven’s Joy

Contrast with the Pharisisees

they are selfish/self righteous

they grumble

John 10:1–11 ESV

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Application

Believer

Do you share the shepherds heart for the lost?

Who are the lost you are pursuing?

Do you rejoice when people come to Christ? even the people that you don’t care for

non believer

God is in pursuit of you?

you are not too broken, or dirty.

Will you let yourself be found?

Reflection

what does this parable teach you about the character of God?

Who in your life do you think might be lost?

write their name in a journey or on a note

pray for them to be open to come to Jesus

pray for an opening to share the good news of Jesus with them

How can the church reflect the joy of heaven when people repent and accept Jesus as lord & savior?

Summary