Jesus is our good Shepherd. Let’s be honest – this is hard for us to get unless we have a bunch of sheep and I don’t know anyone who has a bunch of sheep. BUT…when you understand the context of what this parable represented at the time Jesus spoke it, the significance and wonder of who Jesus is as Shepherd comes to life!
Sheep were highly valued. They provided food, clothing, shelter and anyone who had flocks of sheep would be considered wealthy. You are highly valued.
Shepherds greatly loved their sheep and built individual relationships with their sheep – Shepherds named each sheep and could identify each one by name – he knew them intimately. He also immediately knew if one sheep was missing and would leave the flock to find that lost sheep (remember – sheep had great value) Jesus loves you deeply. He knows you intimately. He knows you by name and he will never let you go!
When a lost sheep was found, the shepherd picked it up and placed it over his shoulders and carried it home signifying that the sheep was being restored to its original standing with the highest degree of power and energy. Jesus, with all of his might and energy found you, picked you up, placed you and all of your life on His shoulders and has restored you to your right standing in the kingdom of God with all of His power and authority. Jesus is carrying you and will never let you go.
Jesus loves you, He has found you, He has restored you, He will never ever ever let you go… All of heaven rejoiced over you being found! You are a big deal to Jesus. He is your Good Shepherd…
So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:3-7
