(Nuggets from Luke 18:4)
In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the shepherd left the 99 to go after the one lost sheep. On one hand, this may seem irresponsible, but on the other hand, it demonstrates how much ONE SOUL matters to Jesus.
Luke 15:4-5 KJV
[4] What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
The Shepherd described here was a RESPONSIBLE SHEPHERD indeed. He didn't feel less concerned and relaxed because he had NINETY NINE SHEEP that were still with him; he got worried instantly and went to search for the ONE SHEEP that went astray and lost its way.
The lost sheep couldn't have found its way back, so there was a need for the Shepherd to go after it, and he didn't return to the 99 until he found it. If you look at the next verse, Luke 18:5, it says:
"And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing."
This clearly shows that the sheep was probably wounded and couldn't walk on its own, little wonder the Shepherd had to carry it on his shoulder. This also conveys the care of a good shepherd. Have you ever experienced Jesus carrying you back home when you were wounded after you wandered far away?
As Jesus told this parable, He explained how the shepherd’s love knows no boundaries, and He would go to any length to bring His sheep that went astray back into his care. He searches high and low and chases after the lost sheep with all His energy and deeply-rooted love.
Then, when He has found his sheep, there was a joyous celebration! He doesn’t question and shame the sheep, saying, “Where have you been? Why did you leave the safety of the fold?” Instead, Jesus said that the Shepherd joyfully picked up that sheep and carried it home on his shoulders. Then, he gathered all his friends to celebrate with him over the return of what is so dear to him.
How often do we, like sheep, wander and go our own way? We think that we know what is best and can be our own guide in life. So, we keep running and looking for greener pastures until we end up so lost, lonely, and confused that we end up missing our way.
Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He proved His great love for us when He laid down his life for all of us. He died on the cross and took all the sins of mankind upon Himself. He never gives up on us when we wander and stray. He desperately longs to bring us back to the fold; His love keeps searching until we are found.
It is never too late to turn towards our Shepherd’s voice and enter His embrace.
Will you surrender your own way and invite Jesus to be your loving Shepherd and Guide today?
THE GOOD SHEPHERD WHO LEAVES THE NINETY NINE AND GOES AFTER THE ONE IS VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN YOU.
This is HOLINESS CHALLENGE
DAY 122 OF 365 (2026)
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