1. Luke 15:1-7

2.  "The Parable of the Lost Sheep" - Luke 15:1-7  "The Parable of the Lost Coin" - Luke 15:8-10  "The Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son" - Luke 15:11-32

3.  Let us look to “The Parable of the Lost Sheep” and seek to learn the lessons in which Jesus provides.  These parables… ◦ Not only enlighten us about the Father's love for the lost ◦ But they make clear what our attitude should be toward the lost as well!

4.  Tax collectors and sinners draw near to Jesus - Luke 15:1  The Pharisees and scribes complain about Jesus receiving sinners - Luke 15:2  In response to this "murmuring/complaining" by the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus now tells three parables. The first of which is "The Parable of the Lost Sheep", and in verses 4-7 we find...

5.  The Illustration Luke 15:3-6 ◦ Any one of them, if they had 100 sheep  But one of them went astray ◦ Would leave the 99 in the wilderness and go after the lost one until he found it. ◦ He would bring it home rejoicing! ◦ He would invite others to rejoice with him!

6.  The application that Jesus makes- Luke 15:7 ◦ In the same way they would rejoice over finding one lost sheep... ◦ So there is more rejoicing in heaven:  Over 1 sinner who repents  Than over 99 upright/righteous persons who need not repent.

7.  The love of God is available for those who are lost… ◦ John 3:16-21 ◦ Luke 19:9-10 ◦ Mark 16:15-16  God expresses joy over those who repent ◦ “Joy in Heaven”!!!

8.  The command to be separate does not mean we are to be totally secluded. ◦ Christians are to be separate from the world, 2Corinthians 6:14-18 ◦ But that does not require isolation, 1Corinthians 5:9-11

9.  We should have a genuine concern for the lost  We ought not think too highly of ourselves, as did the Pharisees & scribes  The Lord is concerned about/ and actively seeks the lost  There is joy in heaven when one sinner repents! ◦ There should be joy in our hearts when one sinner repents!!!  The Lord delights in those who are continuing to remain faithful.

10.  “Going into the wilderness" to find the one which is lost,  Putting up with “complaining/murmuring” because of our association with sinners.

11.  Joy is not limited to those in heaven, or to those involved with seeking the lost… ◦ It is offered to those who are being saved, Acts 8:35-39!!