When you realize that there are 8 billion (or more) people on earth, it’s easy to feel lost amidst the crowd. We may find ourselves wandering away from the comforting presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ, drawn by the allure of worldly distractions or ensnared by the trials of life. We may feel puny and insignificant. After all, we are few, and others are many. Yet, even in our moments of waywardness, there is a profound truth that resonates through the ages: Jesus overlooks the masses to find the few who have strayed from Him.
One of the most poignant illustrations of this truth is found in the parable of the Good Shepherd, recounted in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 15:3-7). In this narrative, Jesus paints a vivid picture of a shepherd who, upon realizing that one of his beloved sheep has gone astray, leaves the safety of the flock – the ninety-nine – to seek out the lost one.
Imagine the scene: the vast expanse of the countryside, the gentle hills, and the solitary sheep, separated from the rest. The shepherd’s heart is stirred with compassion as he sets out on his mission, undeterred by the risk or inconvenience involved. His singular focus is on rescuing the one that has wandered off course.
In a world that often measures success by numbers and popularity, the Good Shepherd’s actions stand as a powerful reminder of the value that Jesus places on each individual soul. He doesn’t overlook the one who strays, nor does He prioritize the crowd over the individual. Instead, He extends His relentless pursuit, demonstrating His unwavering love and commitment to every lost soul.
For those of us who have experienced seasons of wandering, the parable of the Good Shepherd offers profound comfort and hope. It reassures us that no matter how far we may have strayed or how isolated we may feel, Jesus is actively seeking us out. He is not content to leave us in our lostness but pursues us with an unyielding determination until we are safely back in His embrace.
Furthermore, the parable challenges us to adopt the same selfless and compassionate attitude towards those who have strayed in our midst. Just as the Good Shepherd didn’t hesitate to leave the ninety-nine to rescue the one, we are called to extend grace, mercy, and love to those who are lost and in need of redemption.
In our churches, communities, and families, let us be vigilant in seeking out the lost sheep, offering them the same hope and restoration that we have received through Christ. May we never grow complacent or indifferent to the plight of those who have wandered from the fold, but instead, may we emulate the Good Shepherd’s example of sacrificial love and relentless pursuit.
As we reflect on the parable of the Good Shepherd, let us take comfort in the knowledge that we serve a God who values each of us individually and who goes to great lengths to bring us back into His loving embrace. May we, in turn, extend that same love and compassion to those around us, embodying the spirit of the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one who is lost.
Lazarevic Ministries 