The Parable of the Lost Sheep

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Text: Luke 15:1–7

Introduction
Luke 15 begins with three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Each teaches us about God’s deep concern for those who are lost. God desires that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Though He knows many will refuse, it is still His will that none perish. These parables show how people become lost in different ways and reveal God’s love in seeking them out. The parable of the lost sheep emphasizes heaven’s joy when one sinner repents.

The Setting of the Parable
Tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus to hear Him (Luke 15:1). The Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (v. 2). They could not understand why a teacher would associate with such people. Their complaint revealed their hearts—self-righteous, proud, and unconcerned for the lost. Jesus often had His harshest words for this group because they were blind to their need for repentance. They sought power and prestige more than truth.

The Illustration of the Lost Sheep
Jesus told them: if a man has one hundred sheep and loses one, does he not leave the ninety-nine and search until he finds it? When he finds it, he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing and calls his friends to celebrate (Luke 15:4–6). Sheep wander off without meaning to. In the same way, people wander from the truth (James 5:19–20). When we bring them back, we save a soul from death. Jesus shows that heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine who think they need no repentance.

The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
The Pharisees would gladly search for a lost sheep, yet they condemned Jesus for reaching out to lost people. They valued animals more than souls. Their inconsistency revealed their hypocrisy. They loved status, power, and praise, but cared nothing for the truly needy. They believed they needed no repentance, so there was no joy in heaven for them.

The Responsibility of Disciples
The shepherd went looking for the sheep. He did not wait for it to return on its own. In the same way, disciples must actively seek the lost. We cannot hide from the world; we must be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Jesus never condoned sin, but He went among sinners to teach and redeem. We must show compassion, patience, and concern for the lost, even while maintaining holiness. Without our influence, the world grows darker. Atheists, skeptics, and unbelievers cannot make the world better—they deny God and judgment. Only Christians, living out God’s love, can make the difference.

The Joy of Heaven
The greatest joy in heaven is not in numbers, wealth, or power, but in one sinner who repents. This reveals God’s heart: He cares for each individual soul. When we rejoice with heaven, we reflect His compassion and understand the true value of every person.

Call to Action
Are we like the shepherd who seeks the lost, or like the Pharisees who complain and criticize? This parable challenges us to care more, reach further, and work harder for those wandering away. Heaven rejoices when even one returns. Let us join in that joy by seeking the lost today.

Key Takeaways

• God desires all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

• Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners, while Pharisees despised them (Luke 15:1–2).

• Sheep wander without intending to; people also drift spiritually (James 5:19–20).

• The Pharisees valued animals more than souls, showing their hypocrisy.

• Disciples must seek the lost actively (Matthew 5:13–16).

• Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7).

Scripture Reference List
Luke 15:1–7 – Parable of the lost sheep
2 Peter 3:9 – God desires all to come to repentance
Luke 5:27–32 – Jesus eats with Levi and other sinners
James 5:19–20 – Bringing back the wanderer saves a soul
Matthew 5:13–16 – Disciples are salt and light
John 12:48 – Christ’s word will judge all people

The Parable of the Lost Sheep Sermon Outline

Introduction

• Luke 15 parables: lost sheep, coin, son.

• God’s concern for the lost.

• Context: tax collectors, sinners, Pharisees’ complaint.

I. The Setting (Luke 15:1–2)
A. Tax collectors and sinners came to hear Jesus.
B. Pharisees complained, revealing self-righteousness.
C. Jesus came to call sinners, not those who think they are righteous (Luke 5:31–32).

II. The Illustration of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4–6)
A. A man loses one sheep out of one hundred.
B. He searches until he finds it.
C. He carries it home rejoicing.
D. He calls friends and neighbors to celebrate.

III. The Application (Luke 15:7)
A. Heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents.
B. No joy over the self-righteous who refuse to repent.
C. James 5:19–20 – bringing back the wanderer saves a soul.

IV. The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
A. They would rescue a sheep but not a person.
B. They valued power, status, and appearances.
C. They were blind to their own need for repentance.

V. The Responsibility of Disciples
A. We must go out to seek the lost.
B. We cannot hide from the world (Matthew 5:13–16).
C. Jesus never condoned sin, but showed compassion.
D. Christians must be salt and light in a dark world.

VI. The Joy of Heaven
A. Heaven’s greatest joy is in one sinner who repents.
B. God values every soul.
C. We must share His joy and concern for the lost.

Conclusion / Call to Action

• Which are we: shepherd or Pharisee?

• Heaven rejoices when one sinner repents.

• Let us seek the lost, restore the wandering, and join in heaven’s joy.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO