📖 Scriptures to Read and Ponder
Main Teaching Text:
Luke 15:1–7 –
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear Jesus. 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. Doesn’t he 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 neighbours 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 people who do not need to repent.
🔹 Other Key Scriptures:
Isaiah 53:4 – “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering…”
Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Matthew 19:30 – “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”
📝 Sermon Recap
1. Introduction: The Heart of Jesus’ Message
Luke 15 contains three stories — the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son.
These are not just stories about sin — they reveal the very heartbeat of God.
If you want to understand Christianity, look no further than these parables.
2. The Setting: Why Jesus Told This Story
Jesus was surrounded by tax collectors and sinners — those labelled as irredeemable by society.
The Pharisees grumbled because Jesus didn’t just preach at sinners; He welcomed them and ate with them.
In biblical culture, eating with someone meant full acceptance and friendship.
Greek Word Highlight:
προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai) – “to receive willingly, to take pleasure in, to befriend.”
3. The Lost Sheep: A Reckless Search (vv. 3–4)
The word for “lost” is ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi) — not just misplaced, but headed toward ruin or destruction.
The Shepherd (Jesus) leaves the 99 — a seemingly irrational act — to seek one.
Love doesn’t always make sense. It’s not efficient. It’s relentless.
Key Insight:
Jesus doesn’t wait for us to find Him — He comes looking for us.
Religion says, “Seek God.” Christianity says, “God seeks you.”
4. Carried, Not Condemned (v. 5)
When the shepherd finds the sheep, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders.
No lecture. No punishment. Just joy and rescue.
Greek Word Highlight:
χαίρω (chairo) – Deep, ecstatic joy.
Illustration:
Like a parent who finds their lost child in a supermarket — fear turns instantly into celebration.
5. The Party in Heaven (vv. 6–7)
The shepherd calls others to celebrate. Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
Salvation isn’t a private upgrade — it’s a public celebration.
Every baptism is a party in heaven — not because someone got religious, but because someone came home.
6. Conclusion: An Invitation to Be Found
Like Pastor John shared, there was a time when he realised he was lost — surrounded by options but no direction.
Maybe that’s you today. Maybe it’s time to stop running.
The Gospel invitation is simple:
Admit you are spiritually lost.
Believe that Jesus came looking for you.
Say “yes” to being carried home by Him.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Religion asks you to seek God. Christianity shows you a God who seeks you.”
“Love doesn’t make for good economics — but it makes for a powerful rescue.”
“You may be lost — but you have never been unseen.”
“He doesn’t carry you scolding. He carries you singing.”
“Jesus is not in the self-improvement business. He’s in the rescue business.”
❓ Questions for Discussion
What does it say about God that Jesus welcomes and eats with sinners?
In what ways have you felt like the lost sheep in your life?
Why do you think Jesus emphasised joy so strongly in this parable?
How does this story challenge religious pride or self-righteousness?
What does it mean for you personally that Jesus seeks until He finds?
If Heaven throws a party over one sinner who repents, how can we reflect that in our own community life?
Who in your life might be the “one” Jesus is still seeking — and how can you join Him in that?
📚 Further Reading
🔹 Scripture:
Psalm 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd
John 10:1–18 – Jesus as the Good Shepherd
Ezekiel 34:11–16 – God promises to search for His sheep
Romans 5:6–11 – While we were still sinners, Christ died for us
🔹 Resources:
“The Prodigal God” by Tim Keller – A deep dive into Luke 15
“Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes” by Kenneth Bailey – Cultural insights into the parables
The Chosen (Season 1, Episode 1) – Jesus calls Mary Magdalene; visualises His heart for the lost
🙏 Prayer Points
Thanksgiving
Thank God for His relentless love and pursuit.
Praise Him for the joy of salvation and the power of being carried, not condemned.
Salvation
Pray for those who are spiritually lost — that they would respond to the call to come home.
Pray for the newly baptised — that their faith would grow deep and strong.
Renewal
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and remove any spiritual pride.
Pray that we would never lose the wonder of our own rescue.
Evangelism
Ask God to give us His eyes for the “one” in our lives.
Pray for courage to reach out, invite, and reflect Jesus’ welcoming heart.
Church Culture
Pray that LWC continues to be a place where the lost are found, the hurting are healed, and every life is celebrated.