Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Now the tax collectors and the sinners were all gathering around to hear Him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 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 persons who do not need to repent.”
– Luke 15:1-7
Devotion
In this first of three parables, Jesus focuses on “lost” things being found. Here we see Jesus’ attitude toward the repentant sinner and the self-righteous religious person. Notice that this was a mixed crowd. Sinners were gathering to hear Jesus as well as the Jewish religious leaders. It is in this parable that Jesus identifies His purpose for coming into the world. A beautiful theme runs throughout these parables of God’s love, mercy and grace.
The Big Question
What do you glean from this parable concerning Jesus’ real purpose in coming into our world? What was the Pharisee’s response to Jesus meeting with sinners? After finding the “lost” sheep, what was the shepherd’s response? What is the spiritual meaning behind this parable?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today?