One Lost Sheep

ILLUSTRATION: Tell a story of a time that you felt isolated or not welcome into a group. — Or show a movie clip that illustrates the same point.

TENSION:

• Unfortunately, sometimes we feel like we don’t belong. We feel alone. We feel isolated. We feel like an outcast.

• I am sure some of you have been there. You have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in or that you were just plain average? Those feelings can quickly evolve from mere emotions into a full-fledged identity.

• I understand. However, I want you to hear this— you are far from average. God made you the way that He did because He wanted to make you one of a kind.

• He loves you. He custom designed you. He chases after you. That’s exactly why he told the story that we are going to study today.

• This story is a small segment of a longer sermon built around three parables — all about God’s heart for the lost. There is the lost Son, the lost coin, and the lost sheep.

• All of them illustrate the same pivotal point. God is fixated on finding the lost.

• Jesus leveraged very familiar pictures in this parable: A shepherd and his sheep. Fields throughout ancient Palestine were spotted with little flocks of sheep all over the hills.

• Shepherds were as common as Chick-Fil-A employees to this audience. They were everywhere and culture had a good idea about what a good one looked like.

• Everyone listening knew that when the sheep went missing, any good shepherd would take the opportunity to really focus on protecting the ones already in his care. It would make him step into defense, focusing on his flock.

• However, Jesus turns their preconceived notions on their heads. This shepherd went out on a possibly dangerous journey to track down a missing lamb.

— TRANSITION —

• This parable seems a little confusing at first.

• Why on earth would a shepherd leave 99 perfectly good sheep to find one wandering sheep? 99% is a great percentage.

• If that was your grade, it’d be an A-plus.

• Why on earth would a shepherd risk the well-being of the other sheep just to search for the one?

• Our relationship with God is like that of a Shepherd and His sheep.

• We are the sheep.

• Unfortunately, sheep are not known to be the brightest of animals. They tend to be a little ditzy at times — often wandering off into the wilderness until they get scared.

• Sheep are reliant on their shepherds and their flocks.

• Sheep are prone to dangerous situations.

• Sheep are really good at getting lost.

• Jesus is our caregiver —the protective Shepherd.

[Possible Prop: A Shepherds Staff]

• The shepherd's staff was used to correct sheep when they went on the wrong path. It was a weapon used to protect them from wild animals. It was able to smash the heads of snakes and whack away wild coyotes.

• Psalm 23 says our Good Shepherd carries a big rod and we should find comfort, hope, and love in that.

• With their staffs in hand, shepherds lead their flock to the safest places for the night.

• Shepherds fight off predators with their staff.

• Shepherds go to great lengths to save their sheep in times of danger.

• This means that our shepherd does the same for us — He protects us and provides for us. The shepherds' staff provides safety for the sheep.

• Everyone thought of shepherds just as protectors and providers. However, Jesus takes it one step further.

• He’s a pursuing shepherd.

• He’s not just a protective shepherd, he’s a passionate one who will go to great lengths to protect his little sheep.

• The Shepherd in this story battled the ancient audience.

• He leaves his perfectly good flock of 99 to find one lost animal. It’s not expounded upon either.

• When I read this, I think that 99% is pretty good! That’ll get you an A+ in school. Why would he stress over a 1% loss? Shouldn’t he just focus on the 99 safe sheep following him around?

• It doesn’t say he hired a sheep sitter or left the flock in a fenced-in field. Nope. He just leaves it.

• Parables were often intentionally dramatic — with an intentional twist. The twist in this story is that the Shepherd left the rest to look for the one.

• This goes to show that Jesus is willing to take a risk to seek out a rebel.

• The shepherd was sacrificing a lot in this story. He left his current flock to go out into the wilderness — risking the elements and bears. It was seemingly foolish. It was seemingly dangerous.

• Why would any shepherd in their right mind do something like that for one single, little, rebellious sheep?

• It seems absolutely absurd to go to such great lengths for one single, little sheep — until you realize that one is actually you.

• That sheep’s story is your story

• Notice the caregiver rejoices when he finds his lost sheep. Never underestimate God’s passionate pursuit for His people.

• He will look for you. He will fight for you. He will celebrate when you come home.

• Whenever you are feeling outcast, alone, average, not-good-enough, or inadequate, remind yourself that you are the one lost sheep.

• Jesus will pursue you.

• Jesus chased after you even when it didn’t make sense.

• You might feel like no one notices you, but Jesus does.

• He does more than merely notice you. He radically loves you. He does this because:

• He wants you to be with Him forever.

• He wants the best for you.

• He desires a relationship with you.

• He will go to great lengths to make that happen.

TALK IT OUT 

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

Q1: Why would Jesus leave 99 sheep to pursue one lost sheep?

Q2: What does this parable reveal about Jesus's feelings for you as an individual? 

Q3: What is one takeaway that stood out to you in today's message?

Q4: Have you ever been able to relate with the one lost sheep? 

Q5: As we strive to love others like Jesus loves us, how does this parable inspire you to care for family and friends? 

READING PLAN FOR ONE LOST SHEEP

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

1 Corinthians 11:1-2 

Romans 8:1-17

Romans 8:18-30 

Romans 8:31-39

Matthew 10:7-14

Do the following with each passage: 

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.