Embrace the Lost

The Parable of the Lost Sheep:

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’ Luke 15:1-7 NIV

God’s Heart Breaks for the Lost

For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. Ezekiel 34:11-12: NIV

Jesus Modeled Pursuing the Lost

Jesus Visits Zacchaeus

He entered Jericho and was passing through. There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” So he quickly came down and welcomed him joyfully. All who saw it began to complain,  “He’s gone to stay with a sinful man.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give half of my possessions to the poor,  Lord. And if I have extorted  anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much.”  “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham.   For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”   Luke 19:1-10 NIV

Heaven Rejoices When the Lost Are Found

So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.   He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed   him. 21The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe   and put it on him; put a ring   on his finger and sandals   on his feet. 23Then bring the fattened calf   and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24because this son of mine was dead and is alive again;   he was lost and is found! ’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15: 20-24 NIV

How can we embrace the lost in practical ways?

1. Pray for the Lost

2. Build Relationships

3. Share the Gospel

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? Romans 10:14 NIV

4. Welcome Them into Community:

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9: NIV