One Lost Sheep

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  04/01/22

In Luke 15:1-7, Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep to further reveal the heart of God to us. In it we see that God’s love is so merciful and personal that He notices and pursues even one erring sheep.

How amazing that our God is intimately concerned with those who have strayed from His fold. In the parable, when the shepherd finds his sheep in Luke 15:5, “he joyfully puts it on his shoulders” and carries the sheep all the way home. The shepherd never sets the sheep down but carries the entire burden on his strong shoulders.

Likewise, Christ stands ready to take on all our burdens, whether physical infirmities, heartbreaks, or worries. He has shoulders capable of bearing any weight we are willing to give up to Him. Your burdens become His burdens as you rest in Him.

Christ pursues us, saves us, carries us, and rejoices over us. Luke 15:6 says the shepherd then “calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'”

How long has it been since you brought so much joy to someone that the person wanted to throw you a party? How does it feel to know that your salvation brings such joy to our Almighty God?

Prayer: Lord, help me to fully understand how extravagantly You love me. Help me to remember that You are my Shepherd and have given everything, including Your life, to rescue me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep'” (Luke 15:6).