More Joy Ministries
Full Bible Study
The Parable of the Lost Sheep:
Jesus once told a story that reveals the very heart of God:
A shepherd had 100 sheep. When one wandered off, he left the 99 to search for the one. And when he found it, he rejoiced more over that one than the 99 who never strayed (Matthew 18:12–14; Luke 15:4–7).
- Why would God leave the 99 to find one?
Because every soul matters. The Pharisees couldn’t understand why Jesus welcomed “sinners” (Luke 15:2). But Jesus showed that God’s love is not reserved for the self-righteous—it pursues the broken, the wandering, the forgotten.
- The Good Shepherd:
Jesus declares in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
He doesn’t abandon the 99—they are safe in His care. But His heart aches for the one still lost. He seeks, He calls, He carries us back when we surrender.
The Message for Us:
- God’s love is personal. He counts His children one by one.
- Heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
- We are called to reflect His heart—pursuing, forgiving, and loving those who wander.
- The flock is not complete without the lost sheep. And a good shepherd always goes after the one.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28)
- More Joy Ministries
