As we open Luke 15 this morning, we see the first of a series of three “lost” stories. The lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son (two actually!) are found within this chapter of God’s inspired Word. What do we make of things that are lost? Do we wholeheartedly search for it? Or do we look briefly and then replace? Or as it’s lost, apathetically disregard it? What if we changed the pronoun to a person...him, her, them?

Jesus came to earth to actively search, to seek and save the lost. He departed heaven to spend His very life for those who were lost. In the midst of these interesting parables, look carefully at who is being addressed and why. Discern a progression in the coming days as Jesus escalates the metaphor of lostness. Just a few short verses ago, Jesus laid out what it would cost to become His disciple. (Luke 14.25-33) As we seek to be conformed into the image of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, what does this Scripture tell you and I to also do as we follow Him in making disciples?

[Luke 15.1-7]

1 All the tax collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 He told them this parable:

4 “Which one of you, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls together his friends and his neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’

7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Who was coming to Jesus to “hear” in v. 1?

+ What might these people have “heard” from Jesus?

+ Why were His words significant with respect to “lostness” to this group of “hearers” and to us today?

+ BUT begins verse two. Who is contrasted with those who come to hear Jesus in this verse? What is ironic about this contrast?

+ What was their complaint? What is at the heart of this comment? How do we know?

+ How does Jesus address this complaint and give the “experts” an opportunity to “hear” as well?

+ Could Jesus have skipped the parable of the lost sheep and just told the Pharisees what he says in v. 7a?

+ Why is the story significant? How do the stories Jesus shares affect the listener in a different way than just “telling?”

+ How might we sprinkle our speech with Jesus stories as we encounter others?

+ How might our own stories of God’s faithfulness reach others in a different way than “telling” others the truth?

+ Who are the “99 sheep?” Who is the lost “sheep” in the parable Jesus tells?

+ Where are all of the sheep? [v. 4]

+ What might have happened to the lost sheep in this location without a shepherd or a flock?

+ What does the Good Shepherd do when He finds the lost sheep? [vv. 5-6]

+ Were the Pharisees rejoicing with Jesus over the sinners on His shoulders at the beginning of this passage?

+ Who were the 99 who “did not need to repent” in v. 7? Is there anyone who doesn’t need to repent often?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Where do I see myself in this Scripture?

+ Am I the lost sheep without a flock and wandering away from my Shepherd?

+ Am I “secure” within my flock not even thinking I need the Good Shepherd?

+ Am I actively listening for the voice of Jesus as He whispers His words to me and carries me on His shoulders?

+ Am I one of the 99 who “do not need to repent?”

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ As I reflect on this parable, how can I emulate Jesus to another?

+ Am I speaking His Words in their fullness so others can see and hear the True and Good Shepherd?

+ Am I actively seeking the lost as I shepherd the flock given to me in the wilderness of 2021?

+ If a lost sheep is found, do I help carry the burdens of this newly found one to Jesus?

+ Am I rejoicing with friends and neighbors that another has been found?!