Today you should read: Luke 15:1-10
It’s easy to live our lives every day and never really notice lostness. It’s everywhere around us. Lost boys – lost girls – men – women. I think the reason is, they don’t know they’re lost. If they did – they would be looking to be found. So… we tend to forget too.
Jesus reminds us of this today with two illustrations. First with the Lost Sheep – then with the Lost Coin.
Jesus spent much of his time with lost people. Sometimes some very undesirable people – at least they were undesirable to the religious elite. They were never undesirable to Jesus. This brings up a point – we can’t really reach lost people if we’re not around them. Or… if when we are, we forget they are lost and that our primary job is to help them find their way to Jesus.
The culture of the day was very familiar with sheep. They were everywhere. They ate them, used them for sacrifices, clothes and more. Many of the men were shepherd boys at one time or another and understood Jesus’ analogy. When one sheep was lost – the shepherd left the others to go and find them. When he did there was a celebration.
Jesus then moves to an illustration that women would more clearly understand. He said if a woman had 10 silver coins and lost one – what would she do? She would search diligently until she found it.
Jesus point was clear – men and women are worth more than sheep and coins. Why shouldn’t we be just as persistent to reach the lost humanity around us as we are to find animals and money?
Then Jesus drives this home in verse 7…
In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine who are righteous and haven’t strayed away.
Do you have your lost antennas up? Are you aware of the spiritual condition of the people around you? Have you even thought about it?
- Who could you begin praying for today that may be lost around you?
- What plan could you think of to get the Gospel to them?
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
“other notorious sinners”
This really grabbed my attention this morning. At first glance it made me think of murderers, drug dealers, terrorists, gang bangers, etc. In the eyes of a Holy God, all of us appear on this list. I was born into sin and would still be lost without the blood of Jesus.
Lord, help me to see the lost people around me and look for “on ramps” to share the Gospel with them. Help me overcome any fear of rejection and understand that Jesus was also rejected. My job is to simply be faithful to the mission and leave the results to God.
Thanks for the commentary today T.P.
Great word Mike Pepper. May your tribe increase!
“There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons” This stuck out to me today. I often become overwhelmed with the amount of lost people around me, especially at my job. I think I need to “pick” one person at a time to be intentional with, while still praying for many. Thanks for the commentary today Tim!