Luke 15:4

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?

In Luke 15, Jesus presents a trilogy of parables with a singular message. First, there is the parable of the lost sheep. Second, there is the parable of the lost coin. Third, the parable of the lost son. In each case, something of value is missing. In fact, these parables are a reflection of the very heart of God.

 The Shepherd Is a Symbol of God: vv. 1-4

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4Suppose 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?

 

1.    He cared for his sheep –  Isaiah 53:6

2.    He knew them by name –  John 10:3

3.    He took responsibility for them- 1 Peter 5:4

4.    He was willing to sacrifice His life for them- John 10:11

 

Evangelism is simply sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.

 Bill Bright

 

The Shepherd Reminds Us That Lost People Matter to God: vv. 5-6

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.

 

1.    Invitation –  Luke 14:21 (The Message)

2.    Instruction  –  Matthew 28:18-20 (The Message)

3.    Inspiration –  2 Corinthians 5:20 (The Message)

4.    Involvement – Ephesians 4:11-12 (The Message)

 

The gospel must be preached afresh and told in new ways to every generation.

 Helnut Thielicke

 

The Shepherd Reminds Us of the Joys of Soul Winning:  v. 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.

 1.    A changed life -Acts 3:19

2.    A living hope-1 Peter 1:3

3.    An eternal inheritance – 1 Peter 1:4-5