Luke 15:1–7 – The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Rev
Jul 23
3 min read

Jesus’ parable of the Lost Sheep is rich with meaning—for all of us, and especially for little children. It offers three powerful truths, each a faith-builder on its own, or even more so when held together. First, there is joy when the lamb is found—rejoicing. Second, there is community celebration—sharing that joy with others. And third, there is heavenly jubilation—God's rejoicing when one sinner repents and turns to Him for forgiveness.

Every person is of ultimate value to our Heavenly Father. So much so, that He sent His only Son to seek us, find us, and carry us home. When He gathers us in His arms, He rejoices! It’s as though a heavenly news alert goes out: “One who was lost is now found!” God never gives up on us. He actively pursues us, lovingly and persistently, until we turn from sin and open our hearts to receive His mercy.

The lamb was very, very lost—and is now joyfully found. That joy is not mild or reserved—it’s abundant, expressive, and overflowing. In Christ, we are set free to rejoice with radiant gladness and uncontainable praise. This rejoicing becomes a symphony of worship to our Heavenly Father, especially for each beloved child of God who turns from sin and embraces the saving love of Jesus Christ.

Scripture:

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So He told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:1-7

With you in Christ Jesus,

Rev. Patricia E. Walker

Alpha Church, www.AlphaChurch.org

PO Box 33097, Tulsa, OK 74153

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Prayer Requests:

Latisha, David's adult daughter, died unexpectantly and without warning. Healing prayer for his family during their sorrow.

The flooding in Southern Texas with loss of lives at the girl's Christian Camp and along the river. Prayers for parents and families in sorrow, and for friends who were a part of the tragic day's events. May our Lord's comfort and compassion touch their hearts.

Cody and Megan, and baby boy, Jesus' healing from injuries in car accident in Temple, Georgia.

Young Hazel, healing for her adrenal gland tumor growth found during chemo, increased prayers.

Young John who is struggling to get healed from cancer.

Young Wyatt, who was hit by a car

Baby Ashley, under doctors' care

Young Cooper, facing complications related to leukemia

Young Ryder, with a serious form of cancer

A nearly teenage girl, recovering from a heart transplant

Kevin B., facing cancer concerns due to brain tumors

Young Lawson and family, battling blood clots and recovery challenges

Lennon, a toddler whose cancer has relapsed— prayers for healing and renewed hope

Waylon B., who has a brain tumor

Jake C, born 12 weeks early, prayers that he thrive

Colton, a teenager in a terrible car accident, multiple surgeries already, healing from Jesus.

Branson, healing for t-cell acute lymphoma leukemia. Prayers for healing for this young boy.

Prayers that Israel be spared any more distress in the Nuclear Protection program that is initiated with Iran.

Healing prayers for family and friends of the airliner which crashed after takeoff in India.