Scripture References: Luke 15; John 10:10; Isaiah 53
Intro: Good morning. Before we talk about mobilizing for action, we must first look to God and ask, "What are You up to?" Jesus came to get our "Father facts" straight. The parables in Luke 15 – Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son – aren't three separate stories but an epic trilogy, one parable revealing God's heart and our condition. Let's behold Jesus so we can put His brilliance on display.
Key Points:
- The Context: Jesus told this trilogy to answer the Pharisees' question: "Why do you welcome sinners and eat with them?" (v. 2). Jesus essentially replies, "I do what I do because they're mine, and I want them back. I'm acting just as you would if you lost something precious."
- What This Parable Says About Us: We are lost and in need of a Savior. There are different ways to be lost:
- Lost Sheep: Wandered off, not intentionally rebellious but far from God/church. Vulnerable, needs a Shepherd and a flock.
- Lost Coin: Unaware of being lost. Needs the Holy Spirit to illuminate blindness and bring conviction (which precedes conversion).
- Lost Younger Brother: Deliberate rebellion, seeking the Father's gifts but not the Father Himself.
- Lost Older Brother: Close proximity, performs duties, but heart is far (angry, entitled, judgmental, can't celebrate grace). Lostness isn't just about outward behavior.
- What This Parable Says About God:
- The Trinity on Mission:
- Jesus (Good Shepherd): Humbles Himself, actively seeks the one lost sheep, bears its weight, and restores it.
- Holy Spirit (Searching Woman): Diligently, persistently illuminates darkness (lights lamp, sweeps) to find the lost coin. Needs feminine virtues (patience, diligence, detail). The persistent "Hound of Heaven."
- Father (Waiting Father): Eagerly watches, runs full of compassion, embraces, restores fully ("best robe," ring, sandals), and throws a lavish party. Holds nothing back ("Everything I have is yours").
- God's Urgency: The parables intensify (1% loss -> 10% loss -> 50% loss). God doesn't budget for loss or settle for 99/100. He urgently seeks what was His and is now lost. There's no price He won't pay to get His children back.
- God's Party: Heaven rejoices extravagantly over ONE sinner who repents. God Himself leads the celebration, inviting others to join His joy. This joy fuels the mission.
- The Trinity on Mission:
Conclusion: This trilogy reveals a God relentlessly pursuing the lost out of passionate love. He's not passively waiting; the entire Trinity is actively engaged in seeking and saving. It's a joy to be invited onto His mission, fueled by His urgency and culminating in His celebration.
Call to Action:
- Pray & Fast: Join in upcoming church-wide prayer and fasting. Fasting reminds us we need God more than food and helps us focus on seeking Him for breakthrough for the lost.
- Pray Specifically: Pray for specific lost sheep, coins, younger brothers, and older brothers in your life (coworkers, friends, neighbors, family). Contend for them to encounter the living God.
- Invite: Recognize the power of a personal invitation (86% of church visitors come because a friend/relative invited them). Invite someone to Easter services or other opportunities to encounter God's love. Overcome fear with Holy Spirit boldness.
- Reflect: Which type of "lostness" resonates most with your own journey or current state? How can you lean into the seeking love of the Shepherd, Spirit, and Fat
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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