99 Sheep

Luke 15:4-7

Luke 15:4-7

● 4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Isn't 99 enough?

● Some think – Good riddance, who needs them anyway?

● EVERY HUMAN YOU MEET – HAS AN ETERNAL SOUL!

● Every soul has value to God.● THINK: What if you were the one that was lost?

Why leave 99 in the wilderness? (4)

● Something is more important elsewhere● Firemen get cats from trees – but not when a

house is burning● What is more important than getting 99 sheep

safely home?● ANSWER: Finding the one in danger and lost.

Why was the one lost?

● With sheep:– Very near sighted – if group wanders away – they

can not see them– They will bellow and listen for an answer– No answer – they are lost

● With us:– Same answer – wander off, not pay attention– Wait for an answer

Why is the shepherd happy? (5)

● It is his job to tend, care for, watch over and protect the sheep

● If one is away from the flock – it is in danger● To rescue it and bring it back to safety brings

him great joy

Why is the shepherd happy? (5)

● Psalm 126:6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.

● 1 Kings 20:39-40 39 Now as the king passed by, he cried out to the king and said, "Your servant went out into the midst of the battle; and there, a man came over and brought a man to me, and said, 'Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.' 40 While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone." Then the king of Israel said to him, "So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it."

Why the party? (6)

● Joy is contagious.● Genuine joy is shared. Start an epidemic. ● He has friends and neighbors.● Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those that rejoice● There is a party in heaven. (7)

Will heaven rejoice? (7)

● Heaven rejoices when one repents– When the lost repent and are baptized – Acts 2:38– When an erring Christian returns – Acts 8:20-24– When one who wandered away is found. Luke 15

● Earth also rejoices– The shepherd is glad– The lost sheep is glad– Others concerned are glad