Day 22 — The Lost Sheep

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.”

— Luke 15:4–7 (BSB)

Jesus often spent time with people that others looked down on: tax collectors who cheated people, and others known as “sinners.” Some religious leaders complained about it. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!” they grumbled.

So Jesus told them a story.

Imagine a shepherd with a hundred sheep. One evening he counts them: 97, 98, 99… One is missing! What does he do? He doesn’t shrug and say, “Oh well, I still have ninety-nine.” He leaves the others safe in the pasture and goes out looking for the lost one. He searches over hills and through valleys, maybe in the dark and the cold, until he finds it.

When he finally finds it, he doesn’t scold the sheep or drag it home. He joyfully lifts it onto his shoulders and carries it. Then he throws a party and tells his friends, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!”

Jesus explained: that’s what God is like. “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.” (Repent means to turn away from sin and turn back to God.)

This story tells us three things about God.

Every single person matters to Him. One out of a hundred might seem small. But to the shepherd, that one sheep was worth searching for. You are not just a number to God.

God comes looking for us. The sheep didn’t find its way home. The shepherd went after it. That’s what Jesus did when He came to earth. He came to seek the lost.

God is happy, not grumpy, when we come back. Some people think God is angry and disappointed with them. But when someone turns to Him, heaven throws a party!

If you’ve ever felt lost, far from God or like you don’t belong, remember the shepherd. He is looking for you, and He won’t stop until He carries you home.

Think about it: How does it make you feel to know that heaven celebrates when one person comes back to God?

Try this: Is there someone who seems “lost,” maybe a kid who’s left out or who doesn’t know Jesus? Pray for them by name today, and look for a way to be kind to them.

Dear Jesus, thank You for being the Good Shepherd who goes looking for lost sheep. Thank You for finding me. Help me care about people who are lost the way You do. Thank You that heaven rejoices when anyone comes home to You. In Your name, Amen.