God's Relentless Love: The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound parable of the lost sheep, as told by Jesus. This story is a powerful illustration of God's relentless love and pursuit of each one of us, despite our tendency to stray. Jesus uses the metaphor of sheep to highlight our human nature—our propensity to drift away from the path of righteousness, often distracted by the allure of sin. Sheep, unlike dogs or cats, cannot find their way back home, symbolizing our inability to return to God on our own. This is why God sent Jesus, to seek and save the lost, to bring us back into His fold.
The parable emphasizes that the sheep's straying is not due to the shepherd's negligence but rather the sheep's own brokenness. This reflects our own spiritual condition; we are prone to wander, not because of God's lack of care, but because of our sinful nature. Yet, the shepherd's response is not one of condemnation but of compassionate pursuit. He leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, demonstrating the immense value God places on every soul. This is a reminder that no matter how far we have strayed, we are never beyond the reach of God's love.
The shepherd's search is personal, relentless, and compassionate. He knows each sheep by name and will not rest until the lost one is found. This relentless pursuit mirrors God's unwavering commitment to us. When the shepherd finds the sheep, he does not scold it but lifts it onto his shoulders, bearing its burdens. This act of carrying the sheep symbolizes Jesus bearing our sins on the cross, taking upon Himself our guilt and shame.
The parable concludes with a celebration, illustrating the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. This joy is not just the sheep's relief at being found but the shepherd's exuberant rejoicing. It underscores the spiritual truth that God's joy in our salvation surpasses our own. As a community, we are called to share in this joy, to celebrate the redemption of the lost, and to remember that we too were once lost but are now found.
Key Takeaways:
- Our tendency to stray is not due to God's negligence but our own brokenness. Like sheep, we are easily distracted by sin, yet God understands our nature and seeks us out with compassion. [00:41]
- The shepherd's pursuit of the lost sheep is personal and relentless, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to each of us. He knows us by name and will not rest until we are found. [12:28]
- When the shepherd finds the sheep, he bears its burdens, symbolizing Jesus bearing our sins. This act of carrying the sheep highlights the depth of God's love and His willingness to take on our guilt and shame. [16:46]
- The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents is immense. God's joy in our salvation surpasses our own, reminding us of the value He places on each soul. [26:20]
- As a community, we are called to share in the joy of salvation, to celebrate the redemption of the lost, and to remember that we too were once lost but are now found. [27:07]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:41] - The Nature of Sheep
[01:45] - The Allure of Sin
[05:18] - Our Straying Nature
[06:08] - The Importance of Community
[07:07] - The Value of One Soul
[08:07] - The Shepherd's Dilemma
[08:55] - True Safety
[10:09] - Stewardship and Numbers
[12:28] - Personal and Relentless Search
[14:35] - God's Unconditional Pursuit
[15:52] - Compassionate Restoration
[18:26] - The Gospel's Glorious Picture
[21:41] - New Beginnings in Christ
[23:03] - God's Compassionate Nature
[25:31] - Heavenly Rejoicing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Parable of the Lost Sheep
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 15:3-7
2. Isaiah 53:6
3. 1 Peter 2:25
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#### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the lost sheep, what actions does the shepherd take when he realizes one sheep is missing? [08:07]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of sheep and their tendency to stray? [01:45]
3. What does the shepherd do when he finds the lost sheep, according to the sermon? [16:46]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents? [26:20]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the parable of the lost sheep reveal about God's character and His approach to those who have strayed? [14:35]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep? [08:55]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the shepherd's actions reflect Jesus' mission on earth? [18:26]
4. How does the sermon interpret the celebration that occurs when the lost sheep is found? What does this say about the value of each individual to God? [27:07]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or distant from God. How did you experience His pursuit and love during that time? [05:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in preventing us from straying. How can you actively engage with your church community to stay spiritually grounded? [06:08]
3. Consider the ways you might be distracted by "the right sin, the right scenery, or the right scent." What steps can you take to refocus on your spiritual path? [01:45]
4. The shepherd's search is described as personal and relentless. How can you mirror this commitment in your relationships with others who may be spiritually lost? [12:28]
5. The sermon highlights the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. How can you cultivate a similar joy and celebration in your life when witnessing others' spiritual growth? [26:20]
6. How can you ensure that your actions and attitudes reflect God's compassion and willingness to bear others' burdens, as illustrated by the shepherd carrying the sheep? [16:46]
7. The sermon challenges us to not be like the Pharisees, who were critical and distant. How can you break down barriers and reach out to those outside your immediate community? [23:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Our Brokenness and God's Compassionate Pursuit
Our tendency to stray from the path of righteousness is not due to God's negligence but rather our own brokenness. Like sheep, we are easily distracted by the allure of sin, often finding ourselves lost and unable to return to God on our own. This is a reflection of our spiritual condition, where our sinful nature leads us away from the safety and guidance of the Shepherd. However, God understands our nature and does not leave us to wander aimlessly. Instead, He seeks us out with compassion and love, demonstrating His relentless pursuit of each one of us. This pursuit is not a result of our worthiness but of His boundless grace and mercy. [00:41]
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel lost or distant from God? How can you invite Him to seek you out and guide you back to His path today?
Day 2: God's Relentless Commitment to Each of Us
The shepherd's pursuit of the lost sheep is personal and relentless, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to each of us. He knows us by name and will not rest until we are found. This personal search signifies the depth of God's love and His desire for a relationship with each individual. It is a reminder that no matter how far we have strayed, we are never beyond the reach of God's love. His commitment is not just a general concern for humanity but a specific, intentional pursuit of each soul. This relentless search is a testament to the value God places on every person, emphasizing that we are cherished and loved beyond measure. [12:28]
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
Reflection: How does knowing that God knows you by name and is relentlessly committed to you change the way you view your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen this relationship today?
Day 3: Jesus Bearing Our Burdens
When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he does not scold it but lifts it onto his shoulders, bearing its burdens. This act symbolizes Jesus bearing our sins on the cross, taking upon Himself our guilt and shame. It highlights the depth of God's love and His willingness to take on our burdens so that we might be free. This imagery of the shepherd carrying the sheep is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, demonstrating His love and compassion. It is an invitation to lay down our burdens at the feet of Jesus, trusting in His strength and grace to carry us through life's challenges. [16:46]
1 Peter 2:24 (ESV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to lay at the feet of Jesus? How can you trust Him to carry these burdens for you?
Day 4: The Joy of Heaven Over One Sinner's Repentance
The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents is immense, surpassing even the relief of the sheep at being found. This joy is not just the sheep's relief but the shepherd's exuberant rejoicing, underscoring the spiritual truth that God's joy in our salvation surpasses our own. It is a reminder of the immense value God places on each soul and the celebration that occurs in heaven when one person turns back to God. This heavenly rejoicing is a call for us to share in this joy, to celebrate the redemption of the lost, and to remember that we too were once lost but are now found. [26:20]
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Reflection: How can you join in the heavenly celebration of a sinner's repentance today? Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement to turn back to God, and how can you support them in this journey?
Day 5: Celebrating Redemption as a Community
As a community, we are called to share in the joy of salvation, to celebrate the redemption of the lost, and to remember that we too were once lost but are now found. This communal celebration is an essential aspect of our faith, reminding us of the transformative power of God's love and grace. It is an opportunity to support one another, to lift each other up, and to rejoice in the work God is doing in our lives. By celebrating redemption together, we strengthen our bonds as a community and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. [27:07]
1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (ESV): "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your community's celebration of redemption today? What role can you play in supporting and encouraging others in their spiritual journeys?
Quotes
1) "It's important for us to understand something this morning that the sheep doesn't get lost because of the carelessness of the shepherd. The sheep is lost because of its own sinful brokenness within it. I'm just trying to help somebody because you don't understand. You're still trying to understand people while you can be good to people and they not be good to you. It ain't got nothing to do with you. It got something to do with what's inside of you. It's got something to do with what's inside of you. God knows that inside of us. God knows that inside of us there's some brokenness inside of us." [00:41] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The sheep still have value in his shepherd's eyes. And I want to encourage someone this morning that people may have written you off, given up on you, but God says this morning, you still have value. God still wants to save you. God still wants you to walk in his purpose for your life, but you can't do it on your own. No, God has sent Jesus to do for us what we could not do for ourselves." [07:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Safety ain't in none of that. Safety is in whose hands you in. And yet Jesus is saying, I'm just trying to bless somebody this morning. Because you think safety is in a community or in your education or where you live or who you run with. Safety ain't in none of that. Safety is in whose hands you in. And Jesus says, I leave the 99 that I already got in my hand to go get one to put him in my hand. Is there anybody here this morning that can testify? I'm not saved because of where I drive, where I live, or what school I graduated from. I'm saved because of whose hand I'm in." [08:55] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "God, God is not like us, child of God. We put limitations on our searches. Aren't you glad that God wasn't through with you when you didn't get it the first time? He searches relentlessly. He searches personally. But notice, church, he searches compassionately. Notice, the Bible says he does find his sheep in verse five. And not only does he find the sheep, he places it on his shoulders. Church, this is, this is, this is the awesomeness of the text. The whole text is awesome." [15:52] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "But the shepherd takes that dirty. Denging, dry, dehydrated, disobedient sheep and places it on his shoulders. You don't understand this church. This is shout news. Because now when he places the sheep on his shoulders, everything that the sheep is, the shepherd becomes. So if he's dirty, the shepherd gets dirty. If he's dinging, the shepherd gets dinging. But aren't you glad? That whatever I am, Jesus doesn't become. But whatever he is, he rubs it off on us. I wish I had somebody. That God is able to handle all of you." [16:46] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "God is not passive about sin. It's all about compassion. but he's compassionate to the sinner god listen to me carefully church god hates sin but he's compassionate to the sinner always seeking the sinner for reconciliation as a shepherd searches for his sheep god is willing to cross any boundary to save the lost while the pharisees and scribes are grumbling and questioning his actions we too are sometimes like the pharisees christopher cersei was playing basketball with his friends in may 16th 1998 when a stray bullet hit him in the chest his friends helped him get up off the ground and rushed him as far as they could they left him 40 feet from the entrance of the hospital you and took off running in the hospital hoping nurses would come out but the hospital had a policy not to touch anyone that wasn't on its premises that young man died 40 feet away from the hospital door we may say oh that hospital but often that's an indictment against the church we'll minister to people that are in the building but we won't minister to people that are outside these doors that's one of the movements of this text is that sometime our own policies and procedures that we make within ourselves of our people keeps us at a distance from them and jesus has come and made himself low so that he could save all of us. Thank God that no policy can hinder the love of God from reaching one sinner." [23:03] (127 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "The next verse in verse 5 is this. One word in verse 5. Rejoice. He's moved with such excitement that he has what's his back in his hands. And he rejoices, church. It seems like the text would have said the sheep started rejoicing. But the text says the shepherd rejoices. We should have joy in our salvation. But we'll never have as much joy in our salvation as God has. That's for saving us by his salvation. God is so happy when a sinner gets saved." [25:31] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Notice verses 6 and 7, church. Jesus Christ shows us the spiritual significance of the story. As the shepherd is rejoicing, the sheep must feel relieved. But the joy of the shepherd can't be contained and restrained. When he finds him in verse 4, he rejoices privately wherever he finds the sheep. But as he's walking home, he calls his friends and his neighbors. And he says, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost, just so I tell you. Rejoice. there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance." [26:20] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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