The feeling of being spiritually, emotionally, and relationally lost is something most of us can relate to. When we feel lost, we can begin to doubt that there is anyone who would come searching for us. It is this feeling that Jesus addresses in The Parable of the Lost Sheep.

Key Takeaways

God sent Jesus to find people. Jesus sends found people to find people.

Like a shepherd who tirelessly searches for his one lost sheep, God searches for us. In fact, that is why Jesus came – not to teach us good morals or start a religion, but as a rescue mission for the lost. He has been searching for us since before we ever realized we were lost and he will continue to search until each one of us is found.

Once we are truly found by Jesus, he passes that passion on to us. He calls us to model him by leaving the comfort of the 99 and searching with him for each lost person until they are found.

We can do this by serving others and sharing with them how God has changed our lives. When we search with Jesus, we will also be a part of the celebration when each lost sheep finds their way home.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer inspire your conversations with God this week.

Father, thank you for loving us first, even while we were still in our sin. You gave everything for us, including your beloved only begotten son. Remind us of the cost of being lost. When we see those who don’t know you help us to remember the price you paid on the cross for each one of them.

Good Shepherd, we need guidance everywhere, even in the pastures by the still waters. We need the boundaries you have set up, and the courage to choose obedience. Help us want the desire to be led and not to take the lead, which is true partnership and safety.

Holy Spirit, we have been charged to take the gospel of the Kingdom to everyone. Empower us to submit to Jesus’s love and express it to the lost. In Jesus Name, amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and praise God for his promises.

We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found! – Luke 15:32 NLT

• Move of God – SEU Worship
• Mighty Name of Jesus – Hope Darst
• Good Shepherd – Joe L. Barnes

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

Read

• John 20:21
• Luke 15:1-7
• The God of New Beginnings: Hope for The Lost

Watch

• Luke 10-24 from Bible Project

Listen

• Luke 15 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

We’ve all had moments when we have felt lost, but Jesus reminds us that he’ll leave the 99 to find the one.

• Can you think of a time you have felt spiritually, emotionally, or relationally lost? What did it feel like? Have you ever questioned if anyone would care to search for you?
• Can you think of a time in your life when, looking back, you can see that Jesus was already pursuing you, even before you knew him? What did it feel like to be found by him?

Luke 15:3-4 states: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do?”

• Think about someone who is irreplaceable to you. What would you do if they were lost? What does it mean to you to know that God feels that way about you?

Read John 20:21. At the Journey, our J-Team is like a search party – a group of people who, through serving, have said yes to partnering with Jesus to help the lost find their way home.

• What team do you serve on and why? What is your role?
• How have you been able to “search for lost people” on your team? Has anything you’ve learned by serving helped you to share Jesus in other areas of your life that you have influence?
• If you’re not yet on a J-Team, have you gone to Plugged-In? What’s holding you back from joining God’s mission for you?

Each time someone puts their faith in Jesus we get to celebrate with him and all of heaven. Have you ever had the opportunity to celebrate a new believer?

Next Steps

• Join the search party. Go to Plugged- In and discover what it means to find your place, purpose, and part on the J-Team.
• Who’s your one? This week pray about who Jesus is calling you to lead to him. A great way to do that is to invite them to church with you next week.