2016-01-17: Luke-The Investigative Gospel – The Lost Sheep

Sermon Audio: The Lost Sheep
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 15:4-7
Duration: 22:11
Size: 10.1 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
The Lost Sheep
Luke 15:4-7

Psalm 23 was written by David. David realized that the loving care he gave his sheep was like the loving care he received from God.

According to God’s prophets, God’s sheep were lost. But the prophets also proclaimed God’s remedy:

Jesus constantly told them that entrance into the kingdom of God was through faith in him and repentance from sin.

The parable began with Jesus as the Good Shepherd who finds the lost sheep.

I. The Shepherd’s Search

Bailey points out that the context for this part of the parable seems to be a village community.

Of course, the shepherd goes after the one that is lost, until he finds it.

When the shepherd pays a high price to find the one, he thereby offers the profoundest security to the many.

Jesus will find every single lost sheep. Not one will be left in the wilderness. Not one will perish. Is that not encouraging?

II. The Shepherd’s Success

The caring shepherd picks up the lost sheep and carries it all the way home. But, instead of doing it grudgingly, he does so rejoicing!

III. The Shepherd’s Celebration

A. There Is Celebration on Earth

As a community of God’s people, we should be deeply concerned about lost people. And when Jesus finds a lost sinner, we should all rejoice that a lost sinner is saved.

B. There Is Celebration in Heaven

But when a sinner repents, all heaven rejoices! Isn’t that encouraging?