LESSONS FROM A SHEPHERD

Jesus’ parable of the shepherd and the lost sheep has some important lessons for Christians about their responsibility to those who still don’t know Jesus.

The shepherd wasn’t satisfied with 99% of his sheep being safe within the fold. He did not say, “I’m only missing one. That’s pretty good!” No, he felt personally responsible for that one missing sheep (LUKE 15:4).

Nor did the shepherd assume that it would come back on its own. That sheep was unaware of its lost state, and unable to help itself. So the shepherd took the initiative and went searching for it. And he did not give up until it was found (V.5).

The shepherd also wanted others to share his happiness in finding that one lost sheep (V.6). His friends and neighbours who celebrated with him must have also felt that to find a lost sheep was one of the most important and worthwhile things that the shepherd could do.

We also have a responsibility to look out for our friends, family and classmates who still don’t know Jesus. They are lost, whether they realise it or not. They are helpless, whether they realise it or not. And telling them about Jesus is the most worthwhile thing we can do with our time. They need to meet Him for themselves—what can you do this week to help them get a better idea of who He is?

Want more . . . ?

Check out Why is it so hard to tell others about Jesus? online at ourdailybread.org/lookingdeeper