Gathering Or Grumbling

Text: Luke 15:1-7 (NIV)

1Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

I.        Introduction: It’s not about you!

II.      Focus On the Groups: Notice The People of the Crowd

A.      New Comers: The Crowd of Sinners Gathering

B.      Old Complainers: The Crowd of Saints Grumbling

III.   Feel the Compassion: Hear The Parable of the Shepherd

A.      A Desperate Hunt

1.       Leaving Behind the Flock: A Large Assembly

2.       Looking Out for the Lost: A Lonely Straggler

B.      A Delightful Find

1.       Gathering the Lost: The Joy of Finding

2.       Gathering the Locals: The Joy of Sharing

IV.    Find the Joy: Join The Party in the Heavens

A.      A Celebration With Others: Joy With A United Focus

B.      A Celebration About Others: Joy With An Outward Focus

V.      Conclusion: Are we going to be a people who are self-absorbed and judgmental, grumbling about the sinners around us, or are we going to be compassionate people focused on the lost and finding joy in their recovery.