The Bible says we are .
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6
Luke 15:1-7
“Now, the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and 6 goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me: I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
We are the and Jesus Christ is the .
The Heart of a Finding God
1. The heart of the shepherd is a heart that .
He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. – Isaiah 40:11
2. The heart of the shepherd is a heart that .
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…” – John 10:14
3. The heart of the shepherd is a heart that .
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
– John 10:11
4. The heart of the shepherd is a heart that .
“For this is what the Sovereign says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all they places they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” – Ezekiel 34:11-12
5. The heart of the shepherd is a heart that .
And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. – Luke 15:5
6. The heart of the shepherd is a heart that celebrates a .
“Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me: I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:6-7
Small Group Questions
- Have you ever been physically lost? Share how that felt and how you were found.
- Read the parable out loud. What does God reveal to you about his heart?
- Is there anything about the shepherd’s response to the “lost one” that surprises you?
- Go back to the moment when Jesus found you. What do you remember about that moment?
- Take some time and pray for the “lost ones” in your life? How can you show them Jesus this week?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?