] 9/12/2010 #899
THE ONE LOST SHEEP
Luke 15:1-7
INTRODUCTION: Sinners came to hear Jesus. The religious crowd came to criticize Jesus. The reason for this parable seems to be Jesus’ response to His critics: “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Thank God, Jesus is a friend of sinners. In this parable, we learn of the value of one loss sheep to the shepherd. We see the response of the shepherd in finding his sheep.
I. RESPONSE OF THE SHEPHERD
A. COMPASSION FOR THE SHEEP. (v. 4)
“I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:15
“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:34
B. COMMITMENT IN THE SEARCH. (v. 4) “until he find it”
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
II. RESCUED BY THE SHEPHERD
A. SUCCESS OF THE SEARCH. (v. 5) “when he hath found it”
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25
B. SAVING OF THE SHEEP.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
C. SECURING OF THE SHEEP. (v. 6) “when he cometh home”
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” John 10:27-29
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” John 17:12
III. REJOICING OF THE SHEPHERD
A. REASON FOR JOY IN THE HOME. (v. 6)
“And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:6
B. REASON FOR JOY IN HEAVEN. (v. 7)
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:7
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. Tell someone the things that Jesus has done for you. God can use you to bring someone to Jesus?
2. The “Shepherd” searches for and saves the lost sheep. Are you the lost sheep Jesus came to save today?