Lost And Found Series

How does Jesus feel about those who are lost? (From a sermon by Clovis Chappell in 1933)

-He is the sinners’ friend. “He cannot be content as long as one lamb is away from the fold. He is the supreme lover. His heart goes out to the whole world. But he does not love us in the mass; he loves us individually….In him every sinner has a friend.” (Chappell)

-His attitude toward the lost was one of boundless hope. “Jesus believed every sinner was a possible saint, that every coward might become a hero, that every defeated man might yet stand upon his feet in the consciousness of moral and spiritual victory.” (Chappell)

-He is forever seeking the sinners’ recovery. “He spares himself no pain in his effort to bring the lost sheep back to the fold. Even now he is seeking us by every ingenuity that divine wisdom can devise.” (Chappell)

-He receives sinners when they repent. “Our Gospel then is a Gospel for sinners and for sinners only. Those who so receive it are saved not simply from a penalty; they are restored to right relationship. They are made right with God, right with themselves, right with their fellows.” (Chappell)

Your Repentance is Worthy of a Heavenly Celebration! He Rejoices in our being found!

Luke 15: lost sheep, lost coin, lost son. All found! 

In each case: a celebration when the lost is found.

The angels in heaven celebrate, God celebrates!

You are worth saving – to the only one who can save you. All of heaven is interested in your response to Jesus.

Remember what started this series of stories - the accusation that Jesus is the sinner’s friend (Luke 15:2). If you have wandered away from Jesus, He welcomes you to come home.  If you have not decided to become a Christian, he waits and watches for you. Getting lost is easy, coming to your senses is hard, finding your way home is worth it. 

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Luke 15 is an amazing and well-known chapter. What stood out to you the most in Luke 15?

2. Why do you think Jesus chose to use a lost sheep to illustrate His point?(Luke 15:1-7) How does this parable reflect God’s heart for those who are lost?

3. Who are the “lost sheep” in our communities today, and how can we help bring them back to God?

4. What does the woman’s determination to find the lost coin tell us about God’s pursuit of sinners? (Luke 15:8-10)