One of my favorite Bible passages is Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep. I’m amazed by the idea of a God who loves His children so much that He will leave the ninety-nine to chase down one. Just picture this story for a moment and imagine what you would do if you were the shepherd. You have one hundred sheep, and you lose one. Do you choose to leave behind the rest of your flock—all ninety-nine sheep—to pursue the one who is missing?
If this were me, I don’t think I’d leave behind ninety-nine healthy sheep to chase after one sheep who may or may not still be alive. But the shepherd in Jesus’ parable goes after the lost sheep, carries it back on his shoulders, and celebrates its safe return with great joy.
This parable is Jesus’ response to the Jewish religious leaders who muttered against Him for hanging out with notorious sinners, like tax collectors (who overcharged to fill their own pockets) and prostitutes. These people were rejected by the religious community, but not by Jesus. He says, “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent†(Luke 15:7).
In correcting the religious leaders, Jesus reveals the heart of God. He always wants to save people who’ve gone their own way against Him, who’ve gotten lost. God longs for everyone to repent, to turn around and come to Him. That’s why He sent Jesus—the Good Shepherd—who rescues us sinners and brings us home to God. We all need Jesus, and if we’ve put our trust in His life, death, and resurrection, all heaven rejoices that we are His forever!
And as Jesus’ forgiven followers, we get to follow Jesus’ example. Instead of shunning fellow sinners, we get to welcome those with messy, hurting hearts because Jesus longs to bring us all home. Because Jesus first loved us, we get to show overflowing grace and love to others!
And when we are lost and hurting, Jesus will leave the ninety-nine to draw us back to Him and reunite us with the flock. • Becca Wierwille
• Why did Jesus hang out with people who others rejected? (Check out Mark 2:13-17.)
• How does the strength of God’s love for you make it possible for you to love those around you?
“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?†Luke 15:4 (NIV)
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