Are You Lost?

Parable of the Lost Sheep

Introduction

The Parable of the Lost Sheep, found in Luke 15:4-7, reminds us of God’s Relentless love. Jesus

tells of a shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to find the one that is lost, rejoicing when it is found.

This worship night, we reflect on the question: Are You Lost? Whether you’re wandering far

from God or seeking a deeper connection, Jesus is pursuing you with love. Let’s explore this

parable through scripture, reflection, and action.

Do You Feel Lost?

Luke 15:4 (NIV): “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not

leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?”

Sheep wander, chasing greener grass, unaware they’re straying. Like them, we can drift from

God, chasing distractions or desires, only to feel empty. The beauty of this parable is the

shepherd’s response–he doesn’t wait; he searches.

• Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel lost or distant from God? What

  distractions are pulling you away?

• Try This: Write down one thing that’s keeping you from God, Pray, asking Jesus to guide

  you back to him.

Does Jesus Seek You?

Luke 15:5-6 (NIV): “And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when

he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for

I have found my sheep that was lost.’”

The shepherd doesn’t scold the lost sheep–he carries it home with joy. Jesus seeks us not out of

duty but out of love, celebrating when we return to him.

• Reflection: Can you imagine Jesus searching for you with love, ready to carry you

  home? How does this change how you see him?

• Try this: Spend 5 minutes in quiet prayer, picturing Jesus finding you. Thank Him for

  His love and ask to feel His Presence.

Is Heaven Rejoicing?

Luke 15:7 (NIV): “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who

repents than over the ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Pastor Jay Watts, in his sermon on this parable, shared a powerful insight: “Love compelled the

shepherd to go out and find the sheep. Love compelled the shepherd to pick him up and bring

him back. Love compelled the shepherd to make all over that sheep” (Pastor Jay Watts, 2025).

Heaven doesn’t just notice when a lost soul is found–it erupts in joy. Pastor Jay Watts reminds us

that Jesus seeks the lot because they need Him, and we, too, are called to seek others with that

same love.

• Reflection: Do you believe heaven rejoices over you? How can you share this joy with

  someone who feels lost?

• Try This: Think of one person who might feel lost. Pray for them and take a small step to

  show them Jesus’ love, like a kind word or invitation to worship.

Can you Trust the Shepherd?

John 10:27 (NIV): “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

The sheep know the shepherd’s voice because they trust him. Jesus calls us to listen for His voice

through prayer, scripture, and community, trusting He will lead us home.

• Reflection: Are you listening for Jesus’ voice, or are other voices drowning Him out?

  How can you tune into Him?

• Try This: Read John 10:11-18 and journal what you hear Jesus saying to you. Join a

  small group to grow in hearing His voice.

Will you Seek the Lost?

Matthew 28:19 (NIV): “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

The parable isn’t just about being found–it’s about joining the shepherd’s mission. Pastor Jay

Watts challenged us to leave our comfort zones, saying, “Scripture teaches that we need to go to

them.. It’s our job to go seek them out and love them” (Pastor Jay Watts, 2025). As disciples,

we’re called to share Jesus’ love with the lost, not waiting for them to come to us.

• Reflection: Who in your life needs to know Jesus’ love? What’s one step you can take to

  seek them out?

• Try This: This week, have a conversation with someone about faith. Share your story or

  invite them to church, trusting God will guide you.

Next Steps

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks you and calls you to seek others. Take one step this week

to grow closer to Him or help someone else find Him:

• Start a daily prayer habit, asking Jesus to guide you.

• Join a Bible study to deepen your faith.

• Serve someone in need, showing Jesus' love through action

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for seeking me when I was lost. Help me trust Your voice and share

your love with others. Guide my steps to follow you fully. Amen.

Inspired by Pastor Jay Watts’ “Parable on the Lost Sheep” Sermon - May 11, 2025