Lost and Found

LOST AND FOUND (part one - the lost sheep)

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
-- Luke 15:1-7

Luke 15 is a chapter of pearls strung together by the common thread of lost things found . This first parable (and subject of this study) in the chapter symbolizes the sinner's need and the Saviour's love.

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A) The sheep lost.

1) Separated from the Shepherd;
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd ...
-- 1 Peter 2:25

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B) The sheep sought.

1) The Shepherd's motive;
i) not punishment
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
-- John 3:17
ii) not anxious for his loss but for the sheep lost
iii) selfless giving love
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
-- Galations 2:20

2) The Shepherd's method;
i) He takes the initiative. He does the seeking.
ii) He is persistent "until he find[s] it".

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C) The sheep found.

1) The Shepherd's tenderness as "he layeth it on his shoulders."

2) The Shepherd's care as "he cometh home" .

3) The Shepherd's joy as "he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; .

4) The Shepherd's means of salvation;
i) Grace: the only way to save a lost sheep. Grace is not salvation through character cut character through salvation.
ii) Repentance: "joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth."

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... Stay tuned for LOST AND FOUND (part two - the prodigal son)

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.
-- Luke 15:24