Luke 15:1-10 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “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? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 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. 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Lost and . v. 3, 4, 8 There is no one righteous, not even one; Romans 3:10 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; Isaiah 53:6 Recovery and . v. 5, 6, 9 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart Isaiah 40:11 is a joyful being. v. 7, 10 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd 1 Peter 2:25 Questions for Discipleship Group and/or personal study: Opener: What is something that you have lost that was important to you? Go to the Source: Read Luke 15:1-10. How do the parables relate to the muttering of the Pharisees? How much effort do you think the shepherd and woman expended? What do you think is the main point Jesus is making? Live it out: When did you stray in your Christian faith? How did God bring you back? How can these parables affect how you interact with those who wander? What burden can you hoist upon the shoulders of the Good Shepherd today?