Lost And Found Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#56]

LOST AND FOUND

Luke 15:1-10

Introduction:

This has been a difficult week. My Aunt Peggy passed away on Tuesday. Because of some Church battles where she attended for over 40 years, she said to just not have a service. I told the family that my brother and I could do the service at Bel Aire and that is what we did. I wanted to honor my Aunt Peggy for her over 70 years of singing in Church. She loved to praise God.

The service was just going to be a small family gathering that turned into 100 people in attendance. There was a Choir assembled to sing. People came from all over the Country to be in the service. In December, someone recorded her singing, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” and as it was played in the service, people were touched. The song reminded me that if God takes care of the birds in the air and the flowers in the field, how much more will He take care of me. Today, we are going to explore the incredible truth of God's relentless love- A love that searches for the lost, finds them, and celebrates their return. Let's read our text and discover how our Heavenly Father is always actively seeking His lost children, and how His joy surpasses all understanding when they are found.

Luke 15:1-5

God…

1. Pursues the lost.

Jesus shares a story about a shepherd who leaves his flock of ninety-nine sheep to find one that has wandered off. This story shows how much God cares about each person and is willing to go to great lengths to bring the lost back home. Throughout history, God's love has always been about reaching out to those who are far from Him, offering grace and forgiveness. The idea is that God isn’t indifferent to our mistakes; instead, He actively seeks us out with compassion. This teaches us that no matter how far someone has strayed, God’s love is bigger, and He’s always ready to welcome them back.

This story also reminds us that Heaven rejoices when someone who was lost is found and brought back to God's family. It challenges us to see people differently, especially those who feel rejected or overlooked by society or even by the Church. Theologically, it shows that salvation isn’t something we earn- It is a gift from God who takes the initiative to save us. In practical terms, it calls us to follow God's example by loving others enough to reach out and help them find their way back. Overall, we are encouraged to be proactive in showing God's love to those who need it most, knowing that every person is valuable to Him.

Luke 15:6-7

God…

2. Rejoices over the found.

This shows us how God feels when someone who was lost turns back to Him. It highlights God's huge heart of love and joy when a person repents and finds their way home. Throughout history, God's love has always been about reaching out to those who are lost, showing that no one is beyond His reach. Theologically, it reminds us that God's main goal is to save and restore, and He celebrates every person's comeback. Practically, this teaches us to be compassionate and welcoming, just like God, and to celebrate when others find their way back to Him. It encourages believers to share God's love freely, knowing that Heaven rejoices over each person who turns to Christ.

This parable also reflects how attitudes towards forgiveness have evolved, emphasizing that God's love is open to everyone, no matter their past. It shows us that salvation isn’t just a private matter but something that brings joy to Heaven and should inspire us to care for others. Practically speaking, it calls us to be active in helping others find hope and forgiveness, knowing that every person who returns is a cause for celebration. It reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we should be joyful and eager to welcome those who are lost, because each one is a precious part of God's plan. Ultimately, this motivates us to live with a joyful heart and to participate in God's mission of bringing people back into His loving fold.

Luke 15:8-10

God…

3. Values each person.

Jesus shares the story of a woman who loses a valuable coin and searches carefully until she finds it. Historically, this story shows how much people valued their possessions, and it highlights the importance of each individual in God's eyes. Theologically, it reveals that God loves everyone so much that He actively seeks out those who are lost, celebrating when they turn back to Him. Practically, it teaches us that each person has worth and that we should care about those who feel overlooked or forgotten. The parable reminds us that God's joy is complete when even one person who was lost is found and restored to Him.