Pastor’s Pen: The Joy of Finding One

Reflections from Luke 15:1–7

Dear Church Family,

One of the most tender and telling moments in Jesus’ ministry is recorded in Luke 15, the passage preached by our visiting preacher Patrick this past Lord’s Day.  We saw how tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to hear Jesus, and the Pharisees grumbled. Jesus’ response was not a rebuke, but a story.

A shepherd has one hundred sheep. One wanders off. He leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one. And when he finds it, he rejoices. He calls his friends and neighbors to join in the celebration. Jesus concludes with these words: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

What a window into the heart of God.

1. God Seeks the One Who Wanders

The shepherd in the parable does not wait passively for the sheep to find its way home. He acts. He seeks. He leaves the comfort of the fold and ventures into risk, discomfort, and effort to recover what is lost.

This is the heart of Christ, and it must shape the heart of His people. Evangelism isn’t about convenience; it’s about compassion. The church is not merely a gathering of found people; it is a people who go seeking.

Who in your life is the “one”? Is there someone in your neighborhood, workplace, or even extended family who has wandered far from the fold? Perhaps they were once near. Perhaps they’ve never known the Shepherd’s voice. Don’t assume they’re too far gone. God seeks, and He sends His people to do the same.

2. The Love of the Shepherd is Personal

It’s easy to think in generalities when we talk about the gospel. “Jesus loves sinners.” “God forgives.” These are glorious truths, but this parable makes it personal. The shepherd doesn’t count the remaining 99 and move on. He notices the one. He cares about the one.

There is no “insignificant” soul to Christ. And there should be none to us. In a world obsessed with platforms, numbers, and public success, this parable calls us to see the person. To love the neighbour. To pursue the soul.

3. Heaven Rejoices Over Repentance

Jesus could have said the shepherd was relieved; Or satisfied. But instead, He says “he rejoices.” And not just him, heaven joins in the celebration.

We don’t often picture heaven rejoicing, do we? But every time a heart turns, every time a sinner repents and believes the gospel, there is joy in the presence of the angels.

Let’s be a church that shares in that joy. When someone turns from sin, when someone is baptized, when someone returns from a season of wandering, let us rejoice deeply and publicly. Because God does.

4. Will We Grumble Like the Pharisees, or Rejoice Like the Shepherd?

The setting of this parable is crucial. Jesus told it in response to grumbling. Religious leaders didn’t like how messy people were drawing near. They resented Jesus' welcome, His compassion, His table fellowship.

It’s a sobering warning for us. It’s possible to become so comfortable in our “ninety-nine-ness” that we forget what we once were: lost. And found by grace.

Let’s never be a church that raises its eyebrows at returning sinners. Let’s never scoff at young faith or wounded sheep. Let us reflect the heart of our Shepherd, not in tolerating sinners, but in loving them toward repentance and restoration.

So I ask:

• Do we see the one?
• Do we seek the one?
• Do we rejoice when they return?

May God make us a people who reflect His heart, bold in love, patient in pursuit, and overflowing with joy when one sinner repents.

With deep affection and shared mission,

Pastor Tyrell