Stories That Read You / Caleb Klinge | New Life San Francisco

Oct 28, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Relentless Pursuit of the Lost

God’s heart is to seek and save those who are lost, never giving up on anyone no matter how far they have wandered. He pursues each person with unwavering love, leaving the ninety-nine to go after the one who is missing. This pursuit is not passive; it is active, intentional, and filled with compassion. No matter how long someone has been away or how lost they feel, God’s desire is to restore them, to bring them home, and to celebrate their return. The value He places on each soul is immeasurable, and heaven itself rejoices when even one person turns back to Him. [07:40]

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
“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.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life who seems far from God? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week, reflecting God’s heart to seek and restore the lost?

Day 2: Our Tendency to Wander and God’s Invitation to Return

Like sheep, we are prone to wander, distracted by the immediate and the urgent, often losing sight of what truly matters. Our sense of direction can be poor, and we may find ourselves isolated, vulnerable, or burdened by the weight of our choices. Yet, no matter how far we have strayed or how long we have been lost, God’s invitation to turn around and come home remains open. He is always ready to receive us, to forgive, and to restore, reminding us that it is never too late to return to Him. [18:15]

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.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense you’ve wandered from God’s path? What is one step you can take today to turn back toward Him?

Day 3: The Good Shepherd’s Sacrificial Love

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who not only searches for the lost but also lays down His life for the sheep. His love is sacrificial, selfless, and deeply personal. He knows each of His sheep by name and is willing to endure any cost to bring them back into the fold. This sacrificial love is the foundation of our worth and security; we are valued not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done for us. His life, given for ours, is the ultimate demonstration of our value in God’s eyes. [21:40]

John 10:10-11 (ESV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus laid down His life for you change the way you see your own worth and the worth of others today?

Day 4: The Power of Connection and Community

We are created for connection—with God and with one another. Just as sheep thrive in a flock, we flourish in spiritual community, where we are protected, encouraged, and guided. Isolation makes us vulnerable, but together we grow, learn to hear the Shepherd’s voice, and support each other in faith. God’s design is for us to be bonded not only to Him but also to His family, where each person is seen, known, and celebrated. [19:27]

Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”

Reflection: Who in your church or community might be feeling isolated right now? What is one practical way you can reach out and help them feel connected this week?

Day 5: Carrying the Shepherd’s Heart for Others

As we experience the love and rescue of the Good Shepherd, we are called to grow in His heart for others. This means being attentive to those who may be struggling or lost, and being willing to “circle back” for them, even if all we have to offer is a small gesture of care. Our willingness to reach out, encourage, or simply be present can be the very thing God uses to bring someone back on the path. Each of us can reflect the Shepherd’s heart by seeking out those in need and helping them find their way home. [34:25]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Reflection: Think of someone who may be struggling in their faith or life journey. How can you “circle back” for them this week—through a call, a message, or a visit—to let them know they are not alone?

Sermon Summary

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about lost things being found, revealing the heart of God for restoration and redemption. There is a unique joy in finding what was lost, whether it’s something as simple as keys or as profound as a person’s soul. God’s restoration is never just about returning us to where we were; He brings us back stronger, deeper, and more whole than before. The context of these parables is crucial: Jesus is surrounded by people considered “notorious sinners,” and the religious leaders are scandalized by His willingness to welcome and eat with them. Yet, Jesus makes it clear that His mission is to seek and save the lost, to restore the connection with God that humanity lost in the garden.

The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son are not just stories—they are windows into the relentless love of God. Each one highlights a different aspect of God’s pursuit: the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, the woman who searches her house for a lost coin, and the father who waits and runs to embrace his returning son. These stories show that every person is precious to God, and that heaven itself rejoices when even one person turns back to Him.

Sheep are a fitting metaphor for us: they tend to wander, have a poor sense of direction, and thrive in community. Like sheep, we can get lost in our own distractions, desires, and isolation. But no matter how far we’ve wandered, we are never beyond the reach of the Good Shepherd. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, never gives up on us. He searches for us, restores us, and brings us close, not with shame or punishment, but with joy and celebration. Being found by God is not just about being put back on the right path; it’s about being brought into close relationship with Him, carried on His shoulders, and celebrated as beloved.

As we experience the love and pursuit of the Good Shepherd, we are also called to reflect His heart. We are invited to be people who notice when others are missing, who reach out, and who help bring others home—not from a place of superiority, but from the humility of those who have been found and restored ourselves. Even a small act of care, like a simple text or call, can be the light that helps someone find their way back.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s restoration always goes beyond mere repair; He brings us back stronger and deeper than before. Just as the rebuilt temple and Job’s restoration were greater than what was lost, God’s work in our lives transforms our brokenness into something more beautiful and resilient than we could imagine. [01:34]
2. The heart of Jesus is to seek and save the lost, regardless of how “notorious” their sins may seem. No one is beyond His reach, and the value of a soul is measured by the price He paid—His own life. This truth levels the ground for all of us, reminding us that we all need grace and that God’s love is not reserved for the “worthy,” but for all who are willing to be found. [06:23]
3. Our tendency to wander and our poor sense of direction are not barriers to God’s love; they are the very reasons He pursues us. Even when we are weighed down by shame, distractions, or isolation, the Good Shepherd never stops searching. No matter how long we have traveled in the wrong direction, we can always turn around and be found. [18:15]
4. Being found by God is not just about being corrected or put back on the right path; it is about being brought into intimate connection with Him. The Good Shepherd carries us on His shoulders, restoring our dignity, lifting our perspective, and establishing a bond of love and safety. Forgiveness is not a transaction—it is a celebration and a homecoming. [25:14]
5. As we are found and restored, we are called to develop a shepherd’s heart for others. Sometimes, the smallest gesture—a word, a prayer, a simple act of reaching out—can be the light that guides someone back to the path. Our care for others is an extension of the Good Shepherd’s love, and we should never underestimate the impact of our willingness to “circle back” for someone who is lost or struggling. [34:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - Introduction: The Joy of Finding the Lost
[01:34] - God’s Restoration: More Than Before
[02:08] - The Context: Jesus Welcomes Sinners
[03:58] - Notorious Sinners and the Level Ground of Grace
[05:59] - Jesus’ Mission: Seeking and Saving the Lost
[07:40] - Three Parables, One Heart: God’s Pursuit
[09:34] - The Value of a Soul
[10:39] - The Lost Sheep: A Parable for Us
[13:02] - Chris the Sheep: The Weight of Being Lost
[15:14] - Three Things About Sheep
[21:40] - The Good Shepherd: Three Qualities
[24:42] - Restoration and Connection: Carried on His Shoulders
[28:42] - Celebration in Heaven: The Joy of Homecoming
[31:51] - A Personal Story: The Power of Circling Back
[34:25] - Becoming Shepherds: Reaching Out to the Lost

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Lost and Found Heart of God (Luke 15)

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.

John 10:10-11 (ESV)
> The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Observation Questions

In Luke 15, who is gathered around Jesus, and how do the religious leaders respond to this? ([02:44])
According to the parable of the lost sheep, what does the shepherd do when he realizes one sheep is missing? ([11:07])
What are some characteristics of sheep mentioned in the sermon, and how do these relate to people? ([15:14])
In John 10, what does Jesus say is the difference between himself (the Good Shepherd) and the thief? ([21:04])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to tell these parables in response to the religious leaders’ complaints about him eating with “notorious sinners”? ([03:24])
The sermon mentions that God’s restoration is not just about repair, but about making us stronger and deeper than before. How does this idea challenge or encourage your understanding of what it means to be “restored” by God? ([01:34])
The shepherd in the parable leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep. What does this reveal about God’s priorities and the value he places on each person? ([11:07])
The sermon describes being found by God as being carried on his shoulders and celebrated, not shamed. How does this picture of God’s response to the lost differ from how people sometimes respond to those who have wandered? ([25:14])

Application Questions

The sermon says that sheep tend to wander and have a poor sense of direction, just like people can get lost in distractions or isolation. Is there an area of your life right now where you feel you’ve wandered or lost your sense of direction? What would it look like to let the Good Shepherd find you in that area? ([17:33])
God’s restoration goes beyond just fixing what was broken—he brings us back stronger and deeper. Can you think of a time when God restored something in your life and it ended up better than before? How did that process feel in the moment, and what did you learn from it? ([01:34])
The sermon highlights that being found by God is not about shame or punishment, but about joy, celebration, and connection. Are there ways you still carry shame or fear about coming back to God? What would it look like to accept his celebration over you? ([25:14])
Jesus calls us to reflect his shepherd’s heart by noticing when others are missing and reaching out. Is there someone in your life who has drifted away from faith or community? What is one small, practical step you could take this week to “circle back” for them—maybe a text, a call, or a prayer? ([34:25])
The sermon mentions that even a small act of care can be the light that helps someone find their way back. Have you ever experienced someone reaching out to you when you felt lost? How did it impact you? How can you be that light for someone else? ([34:25])
The parables show that heaven rejoices over one person who turns back to God. How can we as a group or as individuals create a culture of celebration and welcome for those who are returning or seeking faith? ([28:42])
The message says that the value of a soul is measured by the price Jesus paid—his own life. How does this truth affect the way you see yourself and others, especially those who seem “far” from God? ([09:05])

End with prayer, inviting the Good Shepherd to search our hearts, restore us, and help us reflect his love to others.

Sermon Clips

“From the start of this message, I'd like to emphasize that when God restores something or someone, because he's in the process of restoring you and I, he doesn't just kind of bring us back to like even where we were. He often makes us stronger or better. It's like when they rebuilt the temple in the Old Testament, it was twice as big. It's like when Job got restored, after all of his losses, the Lord gave him twice as much as before. And this is, I'm not talking about health and wealth. I'm talking about like God makes us stronger and better and takes us deeper through the time of restoration.”

“We know we're sinners, but we're not like notorious sinners, but like our sin was enough to send Jesus to the cross to shed his blood for us. So we're all on the same ground with the Lord. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. There may be some things that, that people pick on as more distasteful than others, but the bottom line is we all, we all need grace. We all need a savior. We all need Jesus.”

“Jesus often found some of these notorious sinners as the ones who were more hungry, more open, more ready to be transformed. In fact, several of them became his disciples. I mean, Matthew was a tax collector. That was like the big trees in his act to work for, you know, the occupiers of Rome. And he walked by the tax collector, the IRS office one day. And he said, Matthew, Mateo, Bommels, follow me. And Matthew left his job and became a disciple of Jesus.”

“Part of what was lost for all of us in the garden with the with the fall of man, with the human condition is connection with God. And Jesus came to restore that connection through the cross, sending the Holy Spirit, bringing us back into connection with his heart, bringing us into eternal life.”

“When you combine these three parables, the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, they're meant to show the heart of God for the lost, his deep love and his pursuit and his joy. When one person who was lost, one person who went was misdirected, one person who was in sin turns back to him, God rejoices, heaven throws a party.”

“The price of a thing is determined by what someone is willing to pay for that thing. Housing prices around here are really high because people are willing to pay. Hi. Prices your soul and my soul. Our worth was determined by the fact that Jesus paid the price with his own blood and laid his life down for us. That's how much we are loved and valued by God.”

“We see that God seeks the lost. We see that with the shepherd and the woman looking for her lost coin. We see that God rejoices when lost things are found. We see God restores those who return to him. You see that with the father and the son. And we see that every person is precious to God, that no one is beyond his reach or his love.”

“When we've been away from the Lord for a long time and lost, we can get really weighed down under the weight of the world, under the weight of our shame. And the hikers at first, you know, this is kind of this unusual thing to spot out in the back country, but they realized this was a lost animal in a very bad situation. Chris, the sheep struggling under the weight of his coat could barely walk. He could barely see. He's prone to all kinds of parasites and infections. His hooves under the weight. They're not in the picture here. I don't want to gross you out either, but like his hooves were all split and really hurting. And, um, had he fallen down in the wilderness, he probably couldn't have gotten back up. Had he fallen like in, in water, the wool would have absorbed that, that water and he would have for sure drowned. So the fact that he lived that long out there, he was just hanging on by a threat.”

“Sometimes a sheep, its head will be down grazing. Okay. And sometimes we get so lost in the sauce of our life. Our head is down. We're looking at what's right in front of us. We're just doing the next thing. We can get distracted. And for sheep, they they're in their own little world and they're kind of like wandering to the next clump of grass, just eating. And they're prone to wandering. And we can be like that. And they can get so focused on their eating that they don't see what the flock is doing and they can easily stray away and get lost. And we can be the same way. We could become so focused on consuming that we get lost pursuing wants and desires and, and distractions and forgetting what matters. And we can just get sort of lost in our own little world and get disconnected from the Lord and from community.”

“Here is the good news. No matter how long you have traveled in the wrong direction, you can always turn around. Can you say amen? No matter how long you've been out in the backside of the Australian outback, like little Chris or big Chris, you can always be found. You can always turn around.”

“We were already wired for connection. So sheep have this flocking instinct. They follow the movements of others automatically. And within the flock, there's also like often rather like informal leaders that are more experienced sheep. And they'll like, they know the way they know the shepherd's voice better. First, maybe if you're a lamb, you don't know the shepherd's voice, but your mom follows the shepherd's voice. And so you should follow mom who follows the shepherd's voice. And pretty soon you can follow the shepherd's voice. Sheep, by the way, are very good at knowing specific voices, like in the ancient world in Israel or in the Middle East somewhere, they would often put many flocks into one fold. But when they went out to graze, the shepherd would come and call for his sheep. Hey, Hey, Hey, whatever, yalla, yalla. And they would, the sheep would just know that shepherd's voice. And just the sheep belonging to that shepherd would come. So they're very good at like listening and hearing the, um, hearing the voice of the shepherd. And I would suggest that that's also a really powerful picture for sheep, you know, a positive quality that we have as sheep that the Lord has put inside of us, every person, the ability to hear the voice of the Lord in our conscience, in the depth of who we are, in the core of our being. Can you say amen?”

“When Jesus said, I am the good shepherd, he was saying, I will never quit on you. I will never give up on you. I will never stop looking for you. I will never stop loving you. I'm the good shepherd. This is an incredible truth about his character. Jesus left heaven in all of its glory to come looking for you. And I, he left the 99 to come for the one to pursue us.”

“He didn't stop until he found it. He came after me. He came after you. He laid down his life for the sheep, his sacrifice on the cross, his lane, his life down on the cross shows us how valuable we are to him, how valuable you are to him.”

“After he found the sheep, he reestablished connection and closeness. He took that, that sheep in the story and he put it on his shoulders. Now, I don't know if they could have put Chris on their shoulders. I saw some pictures, by the way, you can look up Google Chris later, but they had to have like four people carry Chris. I mean, they had them like on a stretcher almost like a, like a, I don't know, you know, like a, like a special veterinary stretcher or something. And they had to take care of him in that way. But if it's a lamb, you know, you can, you can carry a lamb on your, on your shoulders. And I love this because when he found it, he brought it close. We don't see any punishment. We don't see a lecture. We don't see scolding. We don't see shaming. Jesus already took all of that on himself on the cross. We see complete and total forgiveness.”

“He brought it up off the ground. Is it just me or do sometimes we need new perspective. We need to be brought up higher because we're just not seeing things right. We need to have our eyes lifted up again, our head lifted up again. He brought it on his shoulders. It's a picture of God's pure love and affection bringing us in close, establishing that connection. He carried it back in the middle of exhaustion. It's like, you can't, you can't go anymore. You can't walk anymore. You've gone as far as you can go. I'll carry you. I'll bring you home. I'll walk you back.”

“God finding us and forgiving us is not about just getting us back into the flock or getting us back on the right track. It's about connecting us to him. Puts you on his shoulders and says, before I put you back in the flock, I'm going to make sure you and I are bonded and we're good and we're connected and that you know how important you are to me.”

“Not only has God been searching and seeking after you to bring you home to the place you belong, it's not about just fixing what went wrong, but he celebrates you. And I don't know, everybody, we all come from different families. So I don't know if you grew up feeling celebrated. And I'm not going to ask for a show of hands or anything like that. But whether you grew up, feeling celebrated or not feeling celebrated, what we need to know about God's love is to know that he delights in you and he celebrates you. Amen.”

“In verse seven, Jesus brings the parable all the way to the end, or this part one of the parable to the end. And he shows us plainly an eternal reality. He says, in the same way, there will be a glorious celebration in heaven over the rescue of one life. The lost sinner who repents comes home and returns to the fold. A celebrate, a party in heaven, because that homecoming is an eternal moment. It's a heavenly moment.”

“Whenever you're thinking about somebody who's really messed up, just remember that. We've all really messed up. Like our reach for others. Isn't like out of any kind of a superior place. It's just out of a place of being found. And now we have a heart for others to be found. It's that simple. It's that simple.”

“You know, when you think someone might be lost on their faith journey or in the, in a trial of life, never underestimate the power of circling back to find that person. You might be like, well, I'm not in search and rescue. I don't have a big helicopter. I don't have whatever we think about the gifts. We don't have sometimes, but listen, your headlamp, your little headlamp the fading battery can have more impact on that person in that moment than you could ever imagine your care, your search, your call, your text, your reach is the good shepherd reaching that person through you and through me. Can you say amen?”

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