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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.

INTRODUCTION

The desire of God for us all, (men, women, old and young) is to live in peace with everyone around us. It is the duty of Christians to follow peace with all men, even with those who may be instrumental to our sufferings.

MOTHERS AS PEACE SEEKERS

The aim of this year’s Mothers’ day theme is to sensitize every woman to be determined, in whatever situation, to seek peace with everyone they come in contact with (Rom. 12:18).

▪︎It is to encourage every woman to be tolerant and forbear other people’s excesses, that peace may reign at all times in our relationships.

▪︎A woman who will make impact in her home and everywhere she finds herself is expected to be a peace seeker.

There’s an interesting story for us to learn from, in 1Samuel Chapter 25.

There are three main characters in this story: David, Nabal, and Abigail.

DAVID

▪︎He was a man of war and violence. Violence was his language.

▪︎He was a man of vengeance (1Sam. 25:21-22).

▪︎He would have destroyed his future with his anger and violence, if not for Abigail’s intervention (1Sam. 25:33-34).

NABAL

▪︎He was an evil and wicked man (1Sam. 25:3).

▪︎He was a drunk (1Sam. 25:36).

▪︎He was a fool (1Sam. 25:25). The meaning of his name is “fool”, “worthless”, “good-for-nothing”.

▪︎He was rude and mannerless (1Sam. 25: 10-11; Prov. 18:21; 21:23).

▪︎He was a son of Belial (1Sam. 25:25; 2:12).

▪︎He was an abuser (1Sam.  25:17,25). Like Eli’s sons (1Sam. 2:22).

▪︎He was greedy and stubborn (1Sam. 25:17b).

▪︎He died a premature and shameful death (1Sam. 25:38).

This is the picture of many men today and many women have found themselves in the captivity of such men, suffering in silence.

▪︎There are women today who are beautiful, intelligent, industrious, diligent and married to wealthy men. They have their own servants, loyalty of their husband’s staff and unquestioned access to all the household abundance. But beneath this wealth and affluence, they’re navigating in a marriage to a difficult and worthless man, with bitterness and tears. May the Lord intervene in their situation in Jesus’ name.

ABIGAIL

▪︎She was a beautiful and an amazing woman (1Sam. 25.3).

▪︎She was a woman full of wisdom (1Sam. 25:3).

▪︎She was caught between two powerful systems (Nabal’s and David’s) threatening both her life and those of her houschold. But she was able to navigate her way out with wisdom.

▪︎Out of wisdom, she didn’t consult her husband before going to meet with David. Nabal would have complicated the matter more.

▪︎She was a smart businesswoman. The servants went to her because they knew she’s capable of solving the problem at hand (1Sam. 25:17a).

▪︎She made good use of the executive opportunity she had: Unhindered and unquestioned access and authority to resources (1Sam. 25:18). She deployed them to save her household from disaster.

▪︎She was a woman of kind and soothing words (Prov. 15:1). She attested to her husband’s foolishness (Vs. 25a). She told David that things would have been different had it been his men met her instead of her husband (Vs. 25b). An indication that she was the one in charge of the business, her husband was just the front.

▪︎She was a skilled diplomat. She applied diplomacy in solving the problem. She convinced David to believe that she was on his side.

▪︎As a soldier, David was a strategist but she proved to be a greater one. David was quick to take action for violence but She was also quick to make effort to avoid violence.

▪︎She was a courageous woman. Rather than sending a mediator in her place, she courageously approached David.

▪︎She saved herself and her household, as well as David’s future (1Sam. 25::28, 33-34).

▪︎By what she did, she gained the honour of becoming an “old-testament-type of Christ.”

>She came riding on a donkey.

>She presented offerings for Nabal’s trespass.

>She asked David to let the blame for the offence fell on her alone. (substitutionary sin).

>She prophesied about David’s reign, declaring the kingdom.

>She is a peacemaker.

CONCLUSION

Being peaceful and a seeker of peace is an attribute of God that can only be given by grace. May the Lord grant all mothers the grace, wisdom and understanding needed to be real peace seekers everywhere they find themselves in Jesus name.

PRAYERS

1.            Father, make me an agent and a carrier of peace. Help me and grant me the grace to pursue peace wherever I find myself in Jesus’ name.

2.            I receive peace in my home and in all areas of my life in Jesus’ name, Amen.

In continuation of our lessons from the parables of Jesus, our text for the day points out to us another way Jesus describes those that are kingdom citizens. In our previous lesson, it was pointed out that this address by Jesus was given to specific people and not just anybody. I hope the challenge gotten so far still resonates in our minds.

What is light? It is that which makes vision possible. It also can be said to be a spiritual illumination Jh1:5. Light can also be that which is said to be that which informs or make known, in some cases, that which shines or brighten up a place, an idea, etc. is itself called the light. It also can be said to be the presentation of a view upon which one stands

While on earth, Christ affirmed that He was the light on earth Jh 8:12, 9:5 and the light gave sight to those lacking in spiritual understanding, and living in assumptions. These are those not in-line with the ways of the kingdom. He restored many, and attracted many to God and HIs kingdom. Light is that which a life gets and becomes having dealt with the issue of sin and iniquity Eph 5:14. This light that Jesus was, represented, and proclaimed is what believers are today. Eph 5:8 and we have the duty to walk as one with all thankfulness and sense of duty Col1:12., 1Thess 5:5  because as Christ was then, believers are now, the light of the world John 9:5. The radiance and illumination we give to our world ought to be such that all can perceive, see and experience. From, our text, the words of Jesus indicates a global relevance.  

What does it mean to walk as light?

What Light Does

1. Light helps to see and appreciate beauty Gen 1:31
2. It brings reveals the hidden things of darkness  and reveals the counsel of the heart 1 cor 4:5,
3. Eph 5:13 it points out to us those things that are reproved, condemnable
4. Luk 15:8 it helps in the recovery of that which is lost.
5. The availability of the light of God keeps one form stumbling Jh 11:9-10
6. The introduction and empowerment of light dispels darkness and the works of darkness Jh 1:5
7.  The light guides those in the grip of darkness and death out in the way of peace, luk 1:79
8. The light reveals to us our destination Jh 12:35, Isa 60:2
9. The presence of light makes the journey of life easy

Some of the things the Bible says about light

1. Jesus is light and the glory of the divine illuminates Rev 21:23
2. The appearance of Christ and his covering is light Matt 17:2, Acts 9:3-4
3. The life of God is light unto men Jh 1:4
4. Darkness cannot comprehend, pull down, over power the light of God Jh 1:5
5. The appearance of light announces salvation for those without and glory for those in the fold of God. Luk 2:29-32
6. The abode of God is light. 1 Tim 6:16
7. It is the revelation of the glorious gospel of Christ, the revealer of God 2 Cor 4:4
8. Light connotes daytime and the activities of the day. That it is day tells us that we have been called to duty. Jh 9:4.

Since we have been called to duty, to work; why do some Christians still complain about being the ones saddled with the responsibilities of doing good works?

• Believers being chosen generation, royal priests, holy nation, ones belonging to God, are so called in order to show forth God’s praise who has called from darkness to light. 1Pet 2:9
• Those who are not the children of the world are regarded as the children of light Lk 16:8

On the final note, Jesus’ admonitions in Luk 11:33-36 and Matt 5:16 should re-echo in our minds as children of God living in the light of God and who also are the light of the world:

1. Your light should not be hidden
2. Your reception of the light of God determines to a great extent how much of God you enjoy. It is like God is saying that He already has shed His light abroad, however, that which will be of benefit to any life is that which the life is able to bring in (if your eyes be …then your body will be…)
3. Believers do not need more light in order to function maximally, what is needed is the more reception, accommodation, usage, application, of the light that you are and have
4. Be sure to keep your lamp burning, your light shining. Luk 12 :35  
5. The light of God affecting and influencing a life can be rejected. However, note that this is also a rejection of the LIFE of God both now and hereafter Jn 3:19

Consider Jh 3:20-21, and point out why people go after darkness and light respectively as a choice

Note that a life living in darkness stands the risk of being uprooted Matt 15:13. Why? God does not intend that His children be involved with/in darkness. Consider the warning and call and God’s intervention in Eph 5:11-14 and Eph 2:1-4

• The light you shine as a child of God should be beautiful enough to attract others to your God. Matt 5:16

    The point of Jesus calling the believers the light of the world is in relation to the view that anyone that is now born of God now has the Life-Light on his inside and therefore can be said to be a life created by The Light to be the light. 

INTRODUCTION

The church is a spiritual organisation an every service is an opportunity to worship and fellowship with God. All activities during a worship service centres on and revolves around God.

The nature and character of God define and display excellence. Every Service Leader is therefore expected to build and imbibe excellence as a ministry culture. Every role, task or service is best delivered through a connection that God deserves the best.

WHAT IS CULTURE?

Culture is simply defined as a way of life of a particular people or society. It includes the ideas, values, customs and social behaviour of the people.

In the church setting, culture involves attitude, values, beliefs, policies, mode of perception, language and habits of thoughts and activities of a particular church.

WHO IS A SERVICE LEADER?

By the reason of this retreat, we shall define a Service Leader as anyone who partakes in leading worshippers in one capacity or the other, or performs one activity or the other in connection with worship services. Not only those who climb the altar or mount the pulpit. They are ministers and must see themselves so. They function in one ministry or the other during worship services.

INTENTIONAL

To be intentional is to do something with intention or on purpose (intended). It involves making deliberate, voluntary and willing choices with full consciousness of the nature of one’s act and its consequences.

An intentional Service Leader is one who performs his tasks on purpose. Not accidentally or incidentally but deliberately.

The word BUILDING, as used here is from the action word BUILD, which means to make, develop, raise, form, create, cultivate, establish, find and maintain, focus with intention, in constant pursuit of betterment and improvement.

WHAT IS EXCELLENCE?

Excellence is defined as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. The very best. It is striving to do more than the ordinary and regular.

Excellence is more than “packaging.” It is actually doing the RIGHT THING in an EXTRAORDINARY way. First is “doing the right thing” then delivering it in an “extraordinary way.” The key word is EXTRA, added to the ORDINARY. That is, doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways.

In Ecclesiastes 9, Solomon infers that, while having consciousness of death, it is our wisdom to make the best use of life that we can while it does last. It implies that we make the best use of every available opportunity by striving for the best.

EXCELLENCE AS A CULTURE

According to Aristotle, “excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intentions, sinere effort and intelligent execution. It represents the wise choice among many alternatives. Choice, not chance determines excellence.” Excellence occurs when opportunity meets with preparedness. That “preparedness” is the culture of excellence. You don’t become a thief because you stole. You stole because you are a thief.

Excellence has to do with mindset. If all Service Leaders can cultivate this mentality and form the mindset of it, it will run on every of their operational delivery.

HOW TO PURSUE AND BUILD EXCELLENCE AS A SERVICE LEADER

1.            Desire it

▪︎A desire to go above and beyond the ordinary. Don’t settle for less or average.

▪︎A desire to have order in all activities, even beyond church operations.

This can be powered through praying for the spirit of excellence.

2.            Get informed

▪︎Excellence is driven by the level of information available to you. What you hear, see and experience will provide the foundation to pursue excellence.

▪︎Get informed through books, videos, locations, interactions, meetings, seminars and mentorship.

3.            Get exposed to excellence (locations and people connected to excellence).

▪︎With proper planning, well documented and organised processes, training and seminars, accountability and orderliness.

▪︎Don’t be too big to learn from someone who knows more or is better than you. Be humble.

4.            Benchmark with the best

▪︎Consider a mentor or a leader who is excellent in his service delivery.

▪︎Set him as a standard for your personal operations.

▪︎Measure your performance against the standard.

▪︎Adjust where necessary.

These aid a consistent development until excellence becomes a culture.

5.            Intentionally Improve Your Time Management

▪︎To avoid persistent lateness. Promptness is a sign of culture of excellence.

▪︎Avoid rushing to church five minutes to the commencement of service. It makes you unsettled and disorganised.

6.            Document your assigned role in the service and how you intend to carry it out.

▪︎Document instructions given to you.

7.Be intentional through adequate preparation.

▪︎Never perform a role without adequate preparation, unless it is an emergency. Even at that, ask the Holy Spirit to help you out.

8.            Avoid reactive tendencies.

▪︎Learn to be proactive by thinking ahead for possible hitches.

9.            Pay attention to little details

▪︎When you ignore the details and deliver your tasks with no consciousness of ensuring all things are done well, it leaves tiny deviations with heavy repercussions.

▪︎As tiny as changing the battery in the microphone.

▪︎As tiny as checking the offering box to ascertain its legs are intact.

▪︎As tiny as checking to make sure the keyboard is not transposed, to avoid playing on the wrong key.

▪︎As tiny as reading the bible passage over and over again before mounting the pulpit to read to the congregation.

▪︎Always do a double check to make sure all things are in order.

Paying attention to tiny details can boost your (as well as the church) culture of excellence.

10.          If your task in the service involves you holding and using the microphone, learn basic Microphone Techniques and Management.

▪︎Know whether the microphone is “omnidirectional” (captures sound equally from all directions) or “unidirectional” (picks up sound from the top, with less than 50% from the sides and about 10% from the back).

▪︎Know how to power the microphone on and off.

▪︎Know how to position the microphone for maximum output.

▪︎Know how to position the microphone to avoid unpleasant feedback interferences (noise).

11.          For those in the Media and Technical, check and test run all the equipment at least 45 minutes before service starts.

12.          Always focus on delivering your task better than the last time.

▪︎Never try to show off or else you will be off the show

CONCLUSION

Excellence is not an incidental or momentary thing but a culture that is learned and built over time. It is powered by orderliness and commitment. Our God deserves the best and the best we should offer Him in our services. To joke with excellence is to swim in mediocrity. May that not be our portion in Jesus’ name.