The Found Are Left; The Lost Are Found – September 14, 2025

One key truth: Jesus doesn’t give up on you. He searches for you, finds you, and rejoices when you’re found.

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:1-7

The Found Are Left; The Lost Are Found

Take a moment and say to yourself, “I am the one.” Pay attention to the words. You didn’t say, “I am number one.” You’re not bragging. You’re simply “the one” that matters to Jesus.

You’re the one Jesus goes after when you wander. Sometimes you try to hide from him. Sometimes you drift without even noticing. Sometimes you feel too stuck to find your way back.

In Luke 15:1-10, Jesus is searching for you. Can you hear the Shepherd’s calming voice? Can you imagine his hands helping you out of a vulnerable, messy moment ? Can you see his smile, because he knows you’re safe, and no one can take you away?

If you’ve answered no, then answer this: Is it God who left you, or did you walk away?

Luke 15:1-2 says, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Which person would you rather have find you?

• The one who loves you no matter what and isn’t scared of your circumstances?
• Or the ones who stand at a distance and judge “those people”?

You have a Good Shepherd who seeks you out in his Word and carries you back to the body of believers.

Don’t wander farther. Jesus is calling you. Today, ask for forgiveness, share your struggles, and know that the people around you will celebrate with you.

If you feel alone, remember this promise: “I tell you… that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).

Give heaven another reason to rejoice. You are “the one” worth finding. You are worth rejoicing over.

Prayer:

Good Shepherd, I admit I wander in my life. Even today there are things tempting me to leave your flock. But when I drift, help me hear your voice—through your Word, through my friends in faith, through your Spirit. Thank you for searching for me. Pull me back when I try to run away, and forgive me when I fall. Amen.