Lost and Found

Luke 15:1-7
Introduction: In God’s Kingdom, God is always searching for the Lost. Examples of lost “items” in our lives.

Luke 15:1-2: “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Who were the real listeners?
How do people open their ears to hear and obey Jesus?

Luke 15:3: “Then Jesus told them this parable:" (Parables are Realistic and Symbolic illustrations placed along side people to help them search for the deeper spiritual meanings.)

Luke 15:4: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

People are very similar to sheep.
What is the true value of lost ones?

Luke 15:5: “And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and 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 in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine persons who do not need to repent.”

Application: Who are the lost people God wants me to seek and find?

As the Body of Christ, who should we be seeking and rescuing?