Parable of the Lost Sheep

The parable of the lost sheep describes the bountiful mercy of God, who sent his Son on a rescue mission to save the lost and unworthy. This mercy is scandalous to the self-righteous, but good news to those who receive it with child-like faith.

I. We must guard our hearts against the destructive pride that can result from the pursuit

of a more ‘sophisticated’ grasp of the Christian faith.

II. There are few things as intolerable as mercy.

III. Those who recognize that they were once lost do not resent the sheep found,

but share in the joy that results from its rescue.

Questions:

1. Do you think it is responsible of a shepherd to leave 99 to seek after one?

2. Jesus said that you must become like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven. What does it mean to “become like a child?”

3.What are some ways in which we ‘despise’ little ones in our midst?

4. Why do we love justice but despise mercy?

5. Is it fair that the father rejoices more over the straying sheep found than over the ones who never strayed at all?