1. Two Types of Lostness

Jesus tells three parables in Luke 15 to emphasize God’s heart for the lost. There are two primary types of “lostness”:

• Lost without salvation – This describes all of us before Christ.

• Lost, wandering from salvation – Some of us know Jesus but have drifted.

Lostness is serious because it isn’t just about misplaced things; it’s about people made in God’s image needing rescue.

2. What We Learn About the Shepherd

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine…and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?”
(Luke 15:4)

The shepherd’s character shows us:

• He leaves to find the lost – The shepherd knows his purpose and goes after the missing sheep.

• He carries the sheep home – He doesn’t drag or shame the sheep; he lifts it onto his shoulders and rejoices.

3. What We Learn About the Sheep

“All we like sheep have gone astray…”
(Isaiah 53:6)

Sheep get lost for three reasons:

• Sheep are dumb – They wander without realizing danger.

• Sheep get distracted – They chase temporary interests, forgetting their shepherd.

• Sheep lack direction – Without guidance, they can’t find their way home.

4. Jesus, the Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
(John 10:11)

Unlike hired hands, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who:

• Knows His sheep personally.

• Lays down His life for them.

• Brings them into abundant life.

5. The Joy of the Lost Being Found

Salvation and restoration bring a four-fold joy:

✅ The joy of the person found

“My heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”
(Psalm 13:5)
Salvation brings deep, personal joy when we realize what Jesus has done.

✅ The joy of the shepherd who finds the lost

“And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.”
(Luke 15:5)
Jesus rescues joyfully, not reluctantly.

✅ The joy of others who witness the lost get found

“‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’”
(Luke 15:6)
Salvations at VBS, Falls Creek, or Sunday services should ignite our joy and celebration.

✅ The joy of heaven when the lost are found

“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents…”
(Luke 15:7)
Heaven throws a party when one sinner turns to Jesus, knowing what they’ve been saved from and what they are saved for.

Conclusion & Response

Pastor Connor challenged us:

Who’s lost? Who’s going to go get them?

FOUND people are called to FIND people. As followers of Jesus, we are commanded to go after the lost, just as Jesus came after us.