Opening: Do you remember a time when you or your child was
lost? It could have been in a store or in the neighborhood or at Kings Island.
What were your feelings? Fear? Panic? Desperation?
Scripture: Sunday’s message is our text today. Read Luke15:1-7; 19:10.
Insights:
- The Pharisee’s complaint of Jesus: He purposefully spent time with “notorious” sinners. A Pharisee was forbidden to be the guest of these kinds of people or to have them as a guest in his house. The Pharisee was even forbidden, so far as it was possible, to have any business dealings with a sinner. It was the deliberate Pharisaic aim to avoid every contact with the people who did not observe the petty details of the law. Obviously, they would be shocked to the core at the way in which Jesus companied with people who were not only rank outsiders, but sinners, contact with whom would necessarily defile.
- The shepherd was personally responsible for each one of his sheep. If one was attacked by a wild animal, the shepherd went to rescue it or returned with the sheep’s body. It was difficult and dangerous work, exposed to the elements and dangers of the wilderness.
- The community gathers together, waiting for all the shepherds to return home. The news spreads – one is still out there. And when the last shepherd with his lost sheep are seen in the distance, there is great rejoicing. It is a party! (Sound familiar?)
Life Questions:
- What is Jesus’ motivation for being with sinners? It was more than “get them saved” or “increase His followers.” It was more simple and more profound than that: it was love. Can you imagine loving someone so much that no matter what they did, you could not let them go?
- Sometimes we tend to “write off” a person that is very far from God. But the incredible truth is that God never gives up on anyone – not you and not the lowliest sinner. Do you know someone whom you think is a lost cause but of whom God is still pursuing? What might you do about it?
Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, that we
would hear the Good News about the Kingdom, and would risk it all for the lost
souls.
Tomorrow’s Message Title: “The Church is like a… Search and
Rescue Mission.”
Souls of men! why will ye scatter
Like a crowd of
frightened sheep?
Foolish hearts! why will ye wander
From a love so
true and deep?
Was there ever kindest shepherd
Half so gentle,
half so sweet,
As the Savior who would have us
Come and gather
round his feet?
For the love of God is broader
Than the measure
of man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most
wonderfully kind.
