Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus came into the World to save sinners. On one occasion the publicans, and sinners came near to Jesus to hear him speak. (Luke 15:1)

The Pharisees and scribes were there also. They complained saying, “This man receives sinners, and eats with them.” That’s why Jesus was called the friend of sinners. (Matthew 11:19)

Jesus responded to the complaint of the Pharisees by telling a story about a lost sheep that was found.
A certain man had a hundred sheep. When one of the sheep was missing, he left the ninety-nine to go after the one lost sheep until it was found.

When he found it, he put it on his shoulders and headed home rejoicing. When he got home he told his friends and neighbors the good news that they might rejoice with him.

Jesus compared this story to the joy that is in heaven, He Said that there is more rejoicing over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine righteous people that need no repentance. All of us, just like sheep, have gone astray. We have all turned to go our own way. (Isaiah 53:6) We are all lost sheep, and Jesus, the good Shepherd, gave his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)

We were as sheep going astray, but we have returned to the Shepherd. (1 Peter 2:25) David Confessed, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant.” (Psalm 119:176) Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)