The Lost Sheep
One of a Hundred
Luke 15:1-7about 2 minutes to read aloud
Tax collectors and sinners were gathering to hear Jesus. The Pharisees muttered. "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
So Jesus told them a story. "Which of you, if you had a hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine and go after the one that is lost?"
"The shepherd searches the hills. He calls. He will not turn back until he finds the sheep. When he finds it, he lifts it onto his shoulders."
"He carries it home. He calls his friends and his neighbors. 'Rejoice with me,' he says. 'I have found my sheep, the one I had lost.'"
"I tell you," Jesus said, "there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine who do not need to repent."
The Lord is this kind of Shepherd. He goes looking. He calls by name. He does not give up on the one who has wandered away.
Questions to talk about
Why did the shepherd leave the ninety-nine sheep?
Show the answer
He left the ninety-nine and searched until he found the one that was lost.
What did the shepherd do when he found the sheep?
Show the answer
He carried it home on his shoulders with joy.
What does the story tell us about God?
Show the answer
Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. The Lord goes after the one.
The lesson
The Shepherd goes after the one who is lost. He does not give up. That is the heart of the Lord for His people.
