1. 99 Sheep Luke 15:4-7

2. ● 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.

3. Isn't 99 enough? ● Some think – Good riddance, who needs them anyway? ● EVERY HUMAN YOU MEET – HAS AN ETERNAL SOUL! ● Every soul has value to God. ● THINK: What if you were the one that was lost?

4. Why leave 99 in the wilderness? (4) ● Something is more important elsewhere ● Firemen get cats from trees – but not when a house is burning ● What is more important than getting 99 sheep safely home? ● ANSWER: Finding the one in danger and lost.

5. Why was the one lost? ● With sheep: – Very near sighted – if group wanders away – they can not see them – They will bellow and listen for an answer – No answer – they are lost ● With us: – Same answer – wander off, not pay attention – Wait for an answer

6. Why is the shepherd happy? (5) ● It is his job to tend, care for, watch over and protect the sheep ● If one is away from the flock – it is in danger ● To rescue it and bring it back to safety brings him great joy

7. Why is the shepherd happy? (5) ● Psalm 126:6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. ● 1 Kings 20:39-40 39 Now as the king passed by, he cried out to the king and said, "Your servant went out into the midst of the battle; and there, a man came over and brought a man to me, and said, 'Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.' 40 While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone." Then the king of Israel said to him, "So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it."

8. Why the party? (6) ● Joy is contagious. ● Genuine joy is shared. Start an epidemic. ● He has friends and neighbors. ● Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those that rejoice ● There is a party in heaven. (7)

9. Will heaven rejoice? (7) ● Heaven rejoices when one repents – When the lost repent and are baptized – Acts 2:38 – When an erring Christian returns – Acts 8:20-24 – When one who wandered away is found. Luke 15 ● Earth also rejoices – The shepherd is glad – The lost sheep is glad – Others concerned are glad