THE SEEKING FATHER

"SEEKING, SAVING, AND RESTORING FATHER”

Text: Gospel of Luke 15:1–7

Then all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to hear him.  And the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners, and eats with them”. 

And he spoke this parable to them, saying,  “What man among you who has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the lost one until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he puts it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls his friends and neighbours together and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost’. 

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance." Luke 15:1-7

INTRODUCTION

Gospel of Luke 15 is often called “the Gospel within the Gospel.” In this chapter, Jesus reveals the heart of God toward sinners.

The chapter opens with criticism.

Luke 15:2 — “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.”

Jesus responds with three parables:

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Coin

The Prodigal Son

Each story increases in value:

1 sheep out of 100

1 coin out of 10

1 son out of 2

The message today is on the lost sheep: God is not passive about the lost or ignore them, but go all out to save them.

THE SEEKING SHEPHERD

The Pharisees saw sinners as disposable. Jesus saw them as recoverable because that was the reason He came, to restored us back to the Father.

The Condition of the Sheep (v.4)

It wandered..

Sheep get lost by drifting, not rebellion. Sin often begins gradually until it pushes us out of the Way.

The Initiative of the Shepherd..

He leaves the ninety-nine sheep to bring back the lost one..Salvation is God-initiated.God is searching you out today, will you be found by Him?

Ezekiel 34:11 — “I will search for my sheep.”

The Joy of Recovery (v.6–7)

Heaven rejoices over one sinner. If you can confess and repent from your sin, Jesus the Good Shepherd is ready to take you back to the fold.

Repentance triggers celebration.

In many rural communities, if one goat is missing, the owner searches until nightfall. The value is not monetary but relational. So it is with God — He searches because you matter.

Conclusion

You may feel forgotten, but Heaven is searching for you.

Altar Call

Have you drifted spiritually?

Have you stopped praying, attending church, or serving?

The Shepherd is calling you back today.

The Father is not waiting with a cane — He is waiting with open arms.

Today: Return. Repent. Rejoice.

Heaven is ready to celebrate you.

Kunle Rennaiye

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t 

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Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com