Jesus looks for us when we lose our way

Read it: Matthew 18:12-14 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep)

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

Think about it:

What do you think Jesus means when he is telling this parable (story)?

Do you think he’s just talking about sheep or do you think maybe he’s talking about God’s children (you and me)?

So if Jesus is talking about us, then what do you think he means by this story?

When I read this story I picture Jesus watching over us, just like the Shepard watches over his sheep.

Jesus is saying that if we lose our way, he will come find us.

And he will rejoice when we come back because he never wants us to go astray.

Do you know why a Shepard would go after his lost sheep?

Because if a sheep goes on its own, it’s helpless and another animal, like a wolf, might try to kill it.

Just like when we wonder off, we’re helpless and our sin in a sense tries to kill us.

So think about this…

Jesus loves you so very much and he doesn’t want you to wander away from him, but if you do and are willing to come back...no matter what you've done…he always forgives…he always loves…and always saves.

Pray about it: Ask God to help you realize just how much he really does love you. Ask him to show you his love throughout the day, and I bet you will see it. And if you feel like you’ve wandered away from the flock (God’s kingdom), then don’t be afraid and ask God to let you come back. Ask for his forgiveness. Trust me, he’ll always take you back.

Live it: After you have thought about this scripture and prayed about it I hope you are starting to understand just how much our God cares for you. I mean who else would give up his only son for YOU. You see, God wants you to be a part of his kingdom … “it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” And while he doesn’t want you to wander and will always take you back…it’s up to you to make the choice of who you will follow.

Choose today whom you will serve … God or your sin.

Will you wander away from the Good Shepard (Jesus) or will you follow Him?