The Parable of the Lost Sheep

The Parable of the Lost Sheep from Stephen Sizer on Vimeo.

Why did Jesus tell the story about the lost sheep? Three reasons:

1. To show us how much God loves us
To show how much God cares for us. What does a good shepherd do for his sheep? He feeds them when they are hungry. He protects them when they are afraid. Jesus told the story about a shepherd and his sheep to show us how much God loves us. He also told the story,

2. To remind us that we are like sheep
Sheep easily get lost. And we can too. We go astray. We get into trouble. We get into all kinds of mess and we need someone to help us. Jesus says, a good shepherd searches for his sheep until he finds them. He celebrates with his friends when he finds them. Who has God sent to look after us? Every one of us has one. A mummy! Today we thank God for our Mummies for all they do for us. What are some of the things you want to thank your Mummy for?

They love us even when we are naughty.
They feed us when we are hungry.
They teach us to read and write.
They help us when we get into trouble.
They put us to bed when were tired.

So today we thank God for our Mummies. We all have a Mummy! Whether she lives near or far away, whether she is with us, or now lives with Jesus. God gave them the strong love they have for us, and the wisdom and the strength they need to look after us. Often it is our Mummies lead us to God, by their example, by bringing us to Sunday Clubs, and by their prayers. Today we thank God for our Mummies. So why did Jesus tell this story?

1. To show us how much God loves us!
2. To remind us that we are like sheep.

3. To reveal Jesus is our Good Shepherd
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me… and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:14-16).

So where are you in the story? Is Jesus your shepherd? Are you listening to his voice or not? Are you following Jesus or going your own way? Are you lost or found? If you want to know Jesus and be known by Jesus, say this prayer with me…

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you came to save me. I am sorry that I have gone astray. Thank you for laying down your life for me. Help me to know you, by listening to your voice and following your lead, for the rest of my life. Amen