What does the shepherd's action in Luke 15:4 teach about God's love? Scripture Focus “ ‘What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?’ ” (Luke 15:4) What the Shepherd Does • Counts carefully—realizes one is missing • Leaves the ninety-nine in open pasture—trusts their safety to pursue the lost one • Goes after the straying sheep—takes the initiative • Keeps searching “until he finds it”—refuses to quit What This Reveals About God’s Love • Attentive love – God knows every individual by name (Isaiah 43:1; John 10:3). – No soul is overlooked because He “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). • Pursuing love – He does not wait for the sinner to stumble home; He moves toward us (Romans 5:8). – Jesus identifies Himself as “the good shepherd” who comes to “seek and to save the lost” (John 10:11; Luke 19:10). • Sacrificial love – Leaving ninety-nine suggests risk and cost; Calvary shows the ultimate cost (John 15:13). – The shepherd’s action foreshadows Christ’s willingness to lay down His life (John 10:15). • Persistent love – “Until he finds it” highlights determination; God is “patient…not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). – His grace persists through wandering, rebellion, and delay (Psalm 23:6). • Restorative love – The goal is recovery, not punishment (Ezekiel 34:15-16). – When found, the sheep is carried home rejoicing (Luke 15:5-6), picturing full acceptance. The Bigger Biblical Picture • Old Testament promise: “I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out” (Ezekiel 34:11). • Psalmist’s testimony: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). • New Testament fulfillment: Jesus, the incarnate Shepherd, secures eternal life for His flock (John 10:27-28). Living in the Light of This Love • Rest—Your value to God is settled; He left heaven to find you. • Repent—If wandering, turn back; His arms are already extended. • Reflect—Show the same pursuing, patient love to those who stray around you. |
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