Passion

Living the Parables
-Part X-

#21 The Lost Sheep
Luke 15:3-7

Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 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 persons who do not need to repent.

Background

Shepherd imagery was used often in the Old Testament
--Psalm 23 God shepherds His people
--Isaiah 40:3, 11 The Messiah…
--Ezekiel 34:1-31 will shepherd…
--Micah 5:1-5 God’s people
--Isaiah 53:1-6 He will die for His people
Shepherds knew their sheep by name
Shepherds counted their sheep at least once a day
Shepherds had 5 essential tools
--His Rod Used to tend the sheep
--His Staff Used as a weapon
--His Sling Used as a sheep-dog
--His Voice Used to lead the sheep
--His Body Used to keep the sheep
Shepherds were experts in tracking sheep


#22 The Lost Coin
Luke 15:8-10

Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Lessons from these Parables

Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah (John 10:1-30)
Ninety-nine isn’t enough for God (2 Peter 3:9)
He pursues us with a passion
All of heaven celebrates when 1 sinner repents

What is your concept of God?

God is not a cosmic cuddly-bear (overemphasizes God's love)
God is not a cosmic clean-freak (overemphasizes God's holiness)
God is not a cosmic cop (overemphasizes God's justice)
God is not a cosmic killjoy (overemphasizes God's sternness)

How to Pick up God’s Passion for the Lost

Think back to when you were like a lost sheep
Think of how God pursued you
Realize that you have great news
View people with an eternal perspective