Jesus told this parable (a story that helps us understand a truth) about a lost sheep. On the surface the story is about a shepherd who realizes that one sheep was gone. The shepherd had 100 sheep but realized only 99 were with him. He could have thought, “Well, 99 sheep is fine; I’ll just forget about that other one.” But he didn’t think that. It’s likely his 99 sheep were in a safe spot, so he left them to graze and searched for his lost sheep.
When the shepherd found it, he was so excited! He picked it up, put it on his shoulders and joyfully carried it back to all the other sheep! And what a celebration he had!
On a deeper level, what the parable is really about is us. Jesus says we are all like that lost sheep when we don’t know Him and aren’t following Him. But He loves us so much that He will do all He can to bring us home to Him. He made the way for us to know and follow Him. Remember, He’s Immanuel, God with us. And He rejoices when we follow Him.
Why do you think the shepherd went looking for that one lost sheep?
What can this teach you about God’s love?
In what ways have you felt like a lost sheep? How does it feel to know God loves you like that shepherd loved the lost sheep?
Lord, I am like the lost sheep. I wander away. Thank You that You come looking for me! Thank You that You never stop pursuing me. Keep me anchored to you, my Shepherd. In Jesus' name, amen.