Leaving the Ninety-Nine
The relentless search of the Shepherd.
Jesus' heart for the one who went astray.
The big idea
God pursues the individual with the same intensity as the whole flock.
Opening scripture
“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?”
What does “Leaving the Ninety-Nine” walk through?
Leaving the Ninety-Nine
Luke 15:4 · KJV
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?
In plain English
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?
The Deeper Lesson
This narrative in Luke reminds us of God's sovereign hand in human history. Jesus' heart for the one who went astray. When we trust God's promises, our perspective shifts.
“God pursues the individual with the same intensity as the whole flock.”
Pray
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith through the truth of Luke 15:4. Help me live boldly in Your grace today. Amen.
Write it down
What encouraging takeaway from Luke 15:4 speaks to you today?
Stand Strong
Keep running your race with eyes fixed on Jesus.
Which passages does this journey use?
One passage, drawn from Luke 15:4. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 4 minutes for the whole thing, or 4 short sittings.
- Luke 15:4
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
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The Armor of Truth
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The Pearl Merchant
Discovering the supreme value of the Kingdom.