Youth Sermon: Always Pursuing

God as a Detective

Today, we're talking about how God is like a detective, always on the hunt for those who are lost. And guess what? He's on the hunt for you and me every single day.

You know those detective kits you see in movies? They've got a magnifying glass, a notebook, a pen, and maybe even a cool hat. God's like that detective, always on the hunt, always looking for clues, always ready to find those who are lost.

God is like a detective, always on the hunt for those who are lost.

God's Search in Luke 15

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories that show us how God is like a detective. These stories teach us that God values and chases after those who don't know Him yet.

You know that lost and found box at school? It's full of stuff people have lost and are looking for. Just like we value the stuff we lose, God values those who are lost and is always looking to bring them back.

The Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son

The first story is about a lost sheep. The shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to find the one that's lost. When he finds it, he's so happy, he throws a party. That sheep is like us when we lose our way. Jesus, our shepherd, is always ready to find us and bring us back.

The second story is about a lost coin. The woman looks everywhere until she finds it. When she does, she's so happy, she calls her friends to celebrate. That coin is like us. God thinks we're valuable and He's always looking for us until He finds us.

The third story is about a lost son. The son takes his dad's money and wastes it. When he realizes he messed up, he goes back to his dad, who runs to hug him. His dad even throws a party to celebrate. This story shows us that God is always ready to find us, even when we mess up and run away from Him.

God's Hunt for the Lost

God's like a super-sleuth, always on the hunt for those who are lost. If you're here today and you don't know Jesus, know that God brought you here because He's looking for you. He wants to show you His love. Give your life to Him and see how much He values you.

Think about someone you know who's lost. Maybe they don't know Jesus yet. This week, pray for them. Ask God to help them see how much He loves them. And remember, God's on the hunt for them, just like He was for you.

Prayer

Let's pray.

God, thank you for always looking for us. Help us to see those who are lost like you do. Give us the courage to pray for them and show them your love. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How does it feel to know that God is pursuing you?

2. Which of the three parables in Luke 15 do you relate to the most and why?

3. How can you respond to God's pursuit this week?

4. How can you help others understand that God is pursuing them?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Lost and Found
• Group Activity: CLUE: The Pursuit
• Youth Challenge: Be Found