21.03.25 Luke 15:1-10

Prepare -

God, create in us a hunger, a desire, a thirst for you. Clear our minds from the many distractions that we’ve got and help us want you more than anything else. 

Read – Luke 15:1-10

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.’

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.

8 ‘Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.” 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

Reflect

The pharisees didn’t understand the Father’s heart, so they were complaining that Jesus was gathering and teach sinners. How ridiculous is that?! Jesus is reaching out to them and sharing parables that reflect this, but they didn’t get it. These two parables just remind us of the high value that God puts on those who are lost. The importance he gives to going out and searching for them. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m sometimes distracted with life, church, even my own spiritual journey that I forget about the importance and our mission to reach out to those who don’t follow him yet. But when I do, when I have a fruitful conversation I love it so much and I think, why don’t I do this all the time! 

Be

As we are in the presence of God, let’s ask him to be with us today. Fill us with your presence today Lord.

Become

Father, shape my heart to have a deeper love for those who are lost. Those who have either wandered away or don’t know you yet.

Do

Holy Spirit, guide me this day. Show us to the people whom you are searching for, the people who have a hunger for you, who are asking questions. Let’s spend a minute thinking about our day and the people we will meet. Ask God to highlight who we can bless and encourage today, and ask Him for opportunities to share about him.

Practice:

Why not spend a minute doing this every day? It can be in the morning, it can be on the train, in bed, in the shower, even in the toilet! Just pause for a minute and ask God to highlight someone who might be a lost sheep whom we can help give a step in the direction of Jesus.