The Greatest Search and Rescue

February 12, 2020

The Greatest Search and Rescue

Luke 15:1–10

Danielle Wells

Central Truth

As our Good Shepherd, Jesus went to great lengths to seek and save the lost. He joyfully gave everything to carry us in His arms.

"And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing."

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “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? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

8 Or what woman, having ten silver coins,^{1

15:8
Greek ten drachmas; a drachma was a Greek coin approximately equal in value to a Roman denarius, worth about a day's wage for a laborer} if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Footnotes

[1] 15:8 Greek ten drachmas; a drachma was a Greek coin approximately equal in value to a Roman denarius, worth about a day's wage for a laborer

As a family, we once took a trip to a wilderness reserve where people can see and feed wild animals up close. It was a beautiful day, and our family was having a blast until my oldest daughter got separated from me. Immediately, I was filled with fear and worry as I ran searching high and low for her.

As I tried to call another family member to see if my daughter was with her, I realized there was no cellphone service. While the minutes ticked on, every worst-case scenario rushed through my head while I checked every place imaginable. Finally, I found her with the family member I couldn't reach earlier. Relief, joy, and gratitude replaced the panic and fear that had filled me.

If I, an imperfect parent, was willing to go to any length necessary to find my child, how much more would our perfect Father do to pursue and woo us? In fact, He demonstrates this great love in pursuit of us, even though we are sinners (Romans 5:8).

In Luke 15:1-7, we see a shepherd who lost one of his sheep. Unlike me, the shepherd was not described as panicked, worried, or fearful; but rather he was determined, caring, and loving. He was willing to do whatever it took to find one of his sheep. My favorite part is when he finds the sheep, he isn't angry at the sheep for wandering off. He also didn't punish, lecture, or even begrudgingly drag the sheep home. He rejoiced and joyfully carried the sheep on his shoulders.

Jesus joyfully carried our sins on the cross and now carries us day by day. He is our loving Shepherd and Burden Bearer. He perfectly made a way for us to know God. My prayer for you and me is that we run to and not from His open and loving embrace day after day.

1. Do you allow Jesus to carry you in His arms and bear your burdens, or do you try to carry them with your own strength and ability? (Matthew 11:28-30)

2. Is there an area of your life that is not under the direction and lead of your Good Shepherd? In what area(s) have you gone "astray" like the sheep in the story?

3. What's your story of grace? How has the Good Shepherd rescued you from difficult seasons in your life?