God's Urgent Heart for the Lost

In Luke 15, Jesus shares three parables that reveal the heart of God for the lost: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Focusing on the parable of the lost sheep, we see a picture of urgent, relentless pursuit—a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one that has wandered away. This is not a casual search, but a desperate, determined mission because the longer the sheep is lost, the greater the danger it faces. In the same way, God’s heart aches for those who are far from Him, whether they are outside the church or lost within its walls.

Redemption is not just a theological concept; it is the recovery of what was lost, the restoration of broken lives, families, and relationships. The story of Lou Johnson, who was reunited with his lost World Series ring after decades, illustrates the deep joy and sense of rebirth that comes with redemption. Yet, the value of a human soul far surpasses any earthly treasure. Jesus paid the ultimate price for each of us, not because of our worth in the world’s eyes, but because of His infinite love.

It is easy to become complacent or even pharisaical, forgetting the urgency of the search for the lost. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were offended that He welcomed sinners, but Jesus’ compassion compelled Him to seek out those who were broken and far from God. We must guard our hearts against indifference and remember that the church is not a social club, but a rescue mission. The call is to align our hearts with God’s, to love what He loves, and to join Him in the urgent search for lost souls.

Being lost is not always obvious; sometimes it happens gradually, distracted by the world or even by good things that pull us away from our first love. Whether someone is lost outside the flock or within the house, the Shepherd’s heart is to seek, to find, and to rejoice over every soul that is restored. Our response must be, “Here I am, send me.” When we make the rescue of the lost our priority, everything else fades in comparison, and we experience the true joy of heaven.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Redemption Is the Recovery of the Lost, Not Just the Forgiveness of Sin Redemption is more than a transaction; it is the restoration of what was lost, the reclaiming of broken lives and relationships. Just as Lou Johnson’s joy was not in the ring itself, but in what it represented—a piece of himself restored—so God’s joy is in seeing His children brought back from separation. The heart of God is not satisfied until every lost soul is found and restored to fellowship. [02:33]
• 2. The Danger of Becoming Pharisaical Is Real for Every Believer It is possible to become so accustomed to the blessings of God and the routines of church life that we lose compassion for the lost. The Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ association with sinners, forgetting that they too were once in need of grace. We must continually examine our hearts, lest we become indifferent or judgmental, and remember that the good news is always good—especially for those who know they need it. [10:29]
• 3. Being Lost Can Happen Gradually and Even Within the Church Like sheep, we are easily distracted and can wander away from the Shepherd, sometimes without even realizing it. The parable of the lost coin reminds us that it is possible to be lost “in the house”—to be present in church, yet far from God’s purpose. The call is to return to our first love, to recognize when we have drifted, and to allow God to restore us. [19:36]
• 4. The Search for the Lost Is Urgent and Demands Our Full Attention The shepherd does not delay or make excuses; he leaves the ninety-nine and searches until the lost sheep is found. The longer a soul is lost, the greater the danger. We are called to share in this urgency, to prioritize the rescue mission above our own comfort or distractions, and to be willing to be used by God in seeking and saving the lost. [26:34]
• 5. Heaven’s Joy Is Found in the Redemption of One Lost Soul The true measure of a church’s success is not in its programs or presentations, but in the restoration of the lost. When one sinner repents, there is rejoicing in heaven that surpasses any earthly achievement. Our value is not in what we can offer, but in the price Jesus paid for us; and our greatest joy is found in joining the Shepherd’s mission to bring others home.
  
  ** [34:38]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:20] - The Story of Lou Johnson: A Picture of Redemption
• [02:33] - The Need for Redemption in Our Generation
• [03:41] - A Wave of Revival and the Call to Readiness
• [04:30] - Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
• [05:23] - The Heart of Christ for the Lost
• [06:22] - The Joy of Finding the Lost Sheep
• [07:23] - The Good News and the Bad News
• [08:55] - Why Sinners Were Drawn to Jesus
• [10:29] - The Danger of Pharisaical Attitudes
• [15:30] - Understanding Sheep and the Nature of Being Lost
• [18:04] - The Subtlety of Drifting Away
• [19:36] - Lost in the House: The Parable of the Lost Coin
• [23:06] - Compassion: The Heart of the Shepherd
• [26:34] - The Urgency of the Search
• [29:19] - God’s Rescue Mission Through Us
• [33:31] - The Joy of Redemption
• [34:38] - The Infinite Value of a Soul
• [37:41] - Responding to the Call: Here I Am
• [39:49] - An Invitation to Be Found
• [42:38] - Closing and Altar Call

Bible Reading

Luke 15:1-7 (ESV) — > Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Isaiah 53:6 (ESV) — > All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV) — > But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Observation Questions

1. In the parable of the lost sheep, what actions does the shepherd take when he realizes one sheep is missing? What does he do after finding it? ([06:22])
2. According to the sermon, who were the people most drawn to Jesus’ message, and how did the religious leaders respond to this? ([08:55])
3. What does Isaiah 53:6 say about the condition of all people, and how does this connect to the parable of the lost sheep?
4. In Revelation 2:4-5, what does Jesus say is the problem with the church, and what does he call them to do?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to compare people to sheep in this parable? What does this say about our spiritual condition and our need for a shepherd? ([16:37])
2. The sermon mentions that being lost can happen gradually, even within the church. What are some ways people can become “lost in the house” without realizing it? ([19:36])
3. The shepherd’s search is described as urgent and relentless. Why is urgency so important in seeking the lost, according to the sermon? ([26:34])
4. The Pharisees were offended that Jesus welcomed sinners. What warning does this give to believers today about our attitudes toward those who are far from God? ([10:29])

Application Questions

1. The sermon warns about becoming complacent or “pharisaical” in our faith. Have you ever found yourself losing compassion for people who are far from God? What led to that, and how can you guard your heart against it? ([10:29])
2. The story of Lou Johnson’s lost and recovered ring was used as a picture of redemption. Is there something in your life that God has restored or redeemed? How did that change your perspective on God’s love? ([02:33])
3. The parable of the lost coin shows that it’s possible to be “lost in the house.” Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel you’ve drifted from your first love? What steps can you take to return? ([19:36])
4. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one. Is there someone in your life right now who is “lost” and needs to be pursued? What is one practical thing you can do this week to reach out to them? ([26:34])
5. The sermon says, “The church is not a social club, but a rescue mission.” How can our small group or church better reflect this mission in our activities and relationships? ([23:06])
6. The joy in heaven is over one sinner who repents. When was the last time you celebrated someone coming to faith or returning to God? How can you make this a bigger priority in your life? ([34:38])
7. The call is to respond, “Here I am, send me.” What might it look like for you to say “yes” to God’s rescue mission this week? Is there a specific step of obedience or risk you feel God is asking you to take? ([37:41])