THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP – LUKE 15:3-7
INTRODUCTION
There are several parables of Jesus recorded in the Bible, but in this study series, we will focus on only a few of them, especially the common ones that we are somehow familiar with. Today we shall consider THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP, as recorded in Luke 15:3-7.
THE BASIS FOR THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
The Parable of the lost sheep was given by Jesus in His response to the disapproving comments of the Jewish religious leaders who were not happy that Jesus welcomed those they considered to be unworthy of His company and His dining with them. Their judgemental attitudes toward the “cheaters and liars” (the tax collectors) in the society prompted Jesus to tell this parable, to correct them by emphasising the love and care of God for all.
THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
The Sheep Reference
▪︎In many places in the Bible God’s people are referred to as sheep. Look up Ps. 100.3; Matt. 10:6; Mk.14:27; Is. 53:6; Jer. 50:6.
The Shepherd Reference
▪︎Multiple references are also found in the Bible concerning the shepherd. And if the people are the sheep, God Himself is the Shepherd- Ps 23:1
▪︎God is not just any shepherd but the “good Shepherd” (Jn. 10:11), the “great Shepherd” (Heb. 13:20), and the “Chief Shepherd” (1Pt. 5:4).
▪︎There are also Christian human shepherds in the form of Pastors, who are to shepherd and disciple the flock as Christ would do. Check Act 20:28; 1Pt. 5:2-3.
The Lost Sheep Reference
▪︎The lost sheep in this parable represents the unsaved (Jn. 10:16). However, it also speaks of “the backsliding saved.” Look up Lk.19:10; Matt.15:24
The Ninety-Nine Sheep Reference
▪︎The ninety-nine sheep represents the believers who are in right standing with God, who have not only chosen to be with the Lord but remain with Him.
▪︎They are also seen as those who adhere to the law given by God, as the Pharisees always claim to do.
▪︎Jesus calls them the “ninety-nine persons who do not need to repent”(Lk. 15:7). However, this is just an illustration of their self- righteousness.
LESSONS FROM THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
1. It confirms the nature of man as sheep…
▪︎To stray (Is.53:6)
▪︎To fall short (Rom. 3:23)
▪︎To sin (Rom. 3:29)
Consider the confession of Apostle Paul in Rom. 7:15.
Reflection: Mention some of the characteristics or experiences of a lost sheep (animal) that you can think of.
2. The Parable of the lost sheep confirms the purpose of the Shepherd…
▪︎To seek (Ezk. 34:16)
▪︎To call (Rev. 3:20)
▪︎ To carry (Is. 46:4)
▪︎To save (Jn. 3:17)
3. This Parable confirms the value God places on the individual person as His sheep…
▪︎Of the sinner (Lk. 15:17)
▪︎For the saint (Matt. 18:14)
4. The parable of the lost sheep confirms the Redemptive grace (Lk.15:4)
▪︎Christ died for us when we were still in our sins (Rom. 8:5),
▪︎Securing an eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12)
▪︎Tearing the curtain between us and God (Heb. 10:20)
▪︎That from His fullness we can receive grece upon grace (Jn. 1:16)
5. The parable confirms the ownership position of responsibility of the Shepherd…
▪︎The Shepherd goes after the sheep who are His (Lk. 15:4). Compare 2Tim. 2:19.
▪︎His sheep hear and recognize their Shepherd’s voice (Jn. 10:16, 27).
6.The parable also places responsibility on the believers and religious leaders…
▪︎As a member of the body of Christ, have proper attitudes toward the spiritually lost and the least of believers (Lk.15:2; Matt. 7:1,3; 1Cor. 10:12; Gal. 6:1), having a heart of compassion and forgiveness.
7. This parable confirms the heart of God, as a Father caring for His own (Matt. 6:26,30)…
▪︎In love (1Jn. 3:1; 4:16)
▪︎For joy (Lk. 15:7)
▪︎Not wanting anyone to perish (2Pt. 3:9).
8. It was for the lost sheep that Jesus came…
▪︎Leaving heaven as our Shepherd (Jn. 3:13; 2Cor. 8:9).
▪︎To lay down His life as a lamb (Jn. 10:15b; 1Jn. 3:16; 1Cor. 5:7).
▪︎Becoming sin for the sinner (2Cor. 5:21).
▪︎Chose to endure the cross, simply for the joy set before Him (Heb. 12:2). His joy as His sheep are sought, called, and placed on His shoulders for the journey home (Lk.15:5).
9. The parable of the lost sheep confirms that no matter how far we might have strayed away from the Lord and His love, He still loves us and is willingly seeking for us to lead and carry us back home (Rom. 5:8; 2Pt. 3:9).
10. Every single soul won for the kingdom of God attracts and results in great joy and celebration in heaven (Lk. 15:7).
CONCLUSION
The Parable of the lost sheep speaks to the complete body of Christ: the sheep who are already In the fold, the sheep who are yet to come, the lost but found sheep, and the human shepherds that the Chief Shepherd places on His flock. These shepherds must reflect and portray the attitude of the Chief Shepherd toward the sheep.