Scripture: Luke 15:3-7 and Matthew 18:12-14

A. Information.
This is the first of three parables in this chapter (Luke 15). I will address them together, after the third parable, as they are tied together with a common theme; that being that God has no pleasure in the loss of sinners, but he has great joy in their repentance and obedience.
The chapter opens with two groups listening to Jesus:
1. Tax collectors and sinners
2. Pharisees and teachers of the law
As usual, the Pharisees start mumbling. Rather than rejecting the lower classes, like they do, Jesus accepts them, and even eats with them. This was very offensive to the Pharisees. Jesus knew his audience.

B. Introduction.
Jesus is defending his associating and eating with people known to be sinners. The God whose kingdom Jesus brings values people so highly that rather than ignore or isolate them when they are lost in sin He actively pursues them and rejoices when they repent and are thus recovered.
Jesus gave us a glimpse into the heart of God and His great love for sinners. Jesus is embodying the Father's love for them. Unlike his religious critics, he is living out the Old Testament portrayal of the Father as a shepherd who cares tenderly for his people.

C. Jesus tells the parable.
Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. This is a beloved parable.
1. He calls them to imagine having 100 sheep
2. One gets lost. The shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to look for the lost one.
3. When the lost sheep is found, the shepherd celebrates with friends and neighbors
Jesus uses common, everyday realities (a lost sheep) to express a divine truth. This story would be especially meaningful in the agricultural society of the time. Sheep are social animals. They live together as a flock. When a sheep gets lost, it becomes very bewildered. They will often lie down, refuse to move and frozen in fear. The man who owned 100 sheep was a man of considerable means. He was willing to carry a 70 lb. sheep back to the flock.
When the shepherd finds the sheep, he is very joyful. This could be the end of the story, yet Jesus continues it. The man goes to his friends and neighbors. The shepherd goes through some emotions, from worry and tension to joy. Now he is compelled to share his joy with others.

D. Some Key Words used and their meaning.
1. Herd of sheep - Believers (John 10:27-28)
2. The Shepherd - Jesus the Son of God (John 10:11+14) 3. Lost Sheep - The backslider or sinner (Luke 15)

E. Meaning of this parable.
1. The sheep owner knows that the one sheep is in danger when it is not with the herd. Many among us are separated from God and lost in sin and also in danger.
2. Just as the owner of the sheep makes every possible effort to find his lost sheep, God makes every effort to bring sinners to repentance and forgiveness.
3. Just as a person rejoices when a lost treasure is found, God rejoices when a lost sinner repents.
4. Jesus Himself said that His sheep hears His voice - (John 10:27-28) God certainly values, is pleased with all who know Him and all who are in relationship with Him. There is something special about recovering the lost. There is a celebration in heaven for every one who returns back to Him.

F. Lessons for us in this parable.
A. God's love for all people, even those who are lost.
1. God's love is a "seeking" love.
a. He is not simply waiting for those who are lost to find Him.
b. He has and continues to reach out for those who are lost!
2. Here is the evidence of God's Love.
a. God sent His Son to save the world - John 3:16
b. Jesus came to seek and save the lost - Luke 19:10
c. The disciples were called to spread the good news - Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16
d. We are called to continue the task here on earth.

B. The Joy of God over those who repent and return.
In this parable Jesus simply says there will be "joy in heaven"