|
“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?” (Luke 15:4).
In this fifteenth chapter of Luke, we have three things that are lost—a sheep, a coin, and a son. Each of these three things brings some important truths before us. First of all, we have a lost sheep.
Sheep are hardy animals and can survive in harsh climates, but unfortunately they are somewhat stupid animals. They wander off easily, and then cannot find their way home again. They are also quite unable to defend themselves against predators such as wolves, coyotes, cougars, etc.
That sheep is like the natural man who is lost in sin. Often he does not realize he is lost until some trouble comes along. Like a sheep, he needs someone to go out and find him.
The Lord Jesus is like the shepherd who is not content to have only the other ninety-nine sheep. He wants the one that is lost, and He does not rest until He finds it. Then He carries it home on His shoulders, and is happy that He found that lost sheep.
|
