Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke
The Value
Pastor George Stephens | October 12, 2025
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7, ESV)
What Drives Jesus’ Pursuit of the LOST, and should drive us?
Obligation – The Parable of the Lost Sheep
““What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4, ESV)
Desperation – The Parable of the Lost Coin
““Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?” (Luke 15:8, ESV)
Anticipation -- The Parable of the Lost Son
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20, ESV)
Celebration – The Potential of Discovery
“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”” (Luke 15:31–32, ESV)
“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’” (Luke 15:6, ESV)
“And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’” (Luke 15:9, ESV)
“And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:23–24, ESV)
Questions:
1. What motivates you to share the good news of Jesus? Are you motivated?
2. Think about someone that you led to Jesus. How would you tell that story?
3. If you have not shared the story with Jesus with anyone, what should you look for to make that happen?
