Leave the 99 for 1

Luke 15:1 - 7

Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

One life matters to God.  Jesus never ostracized sinners - He welcomed them! He didn’t encourage them to continue in sin, but to repent and receive the eternal life that only He can give.  But the scribes and Pharisees were upset that Jesus would welcome sinners.  Why would they be upset to see sinners changing their lives?

The scribes and Pharisees were fakes, hypocrites.  On the outside they looked holy and righteous, but on the inside they were devils. They were the ones who needed to be at the head of the line to receive forgiveness.  Instead, they tried to hinder others.

I’m glad Jesus was willing to leave the 99 and go after the 1!  What a mighty and gracious God we serve!