The Parable of the Lost Sheep: Embracing God’s Relentless Pursuit of the Lost Luke 15:1-7 Youth Bible Study

Hey there, amazing teenagers of our small Bible-believing church! Today, we’re diving into a powerful lesson about one of Jesus’ most heartwarming parables, “The Parable of the Lost Sheep.” We live in a world where it’s easy to feel lost, unimportant, or overlooked, especially in our teenage years. But the good news is that God sees us, values us, and relentlessly pursues us. This parable reminds us of just that!

As teenagers, you’re facing a unique set of challenges and questions about your identity, purpose, and faith. Understanding how God values each individual and seeks out the lost can provide a solid foundation for your faith journey. So, let’s embark on this adventure together and explore how this parable applies to our lives today.

Bible Reading 1: Luke 15:1-7 (NIV)

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Explanation For Teenagers

Let’s break down this beautiful parable:

• Jesus often associated with tax collectors and sinners, which upset the religious leaders of his time.
• He tells a story about a shepherd with 100 sheep, emphasizing how important each sheep is.
• When one sheep gets lost, the shepherd leaves the others to find it.
• The shepherd’s joy upon finding the lost sheep is shared with friends.
• Jesus concludes by saying heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over many who are righteous.

Discussion Questions for Youth Group

1. How do you feel when you think about God actively searching for you, just like the shepherd searched for the lost sheep?
2. Why do you think Jesus told this story in response to the Pharisees’ criticism?
3. Can you relate to feeling lost or disconnected at times in your life? How does this parable offer comfort and hope in such moments?

Bible Reading 2: Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Explanation For Teenagers

• In the parable, the lost sheep represents those who have strayed from God.
• We all have moments when we’ve gone astray and chosen our own path.
• The shepherd’s pursuit of the lost sheep reflects God’s relentless love for us.
• Jesus, the Good Shepherd, willingly carries our burdens and brings us back to God.

Bible Reading 3: John 10:11 (NIV)

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Embracing God’s Relentless Pursuit

• Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us.
• Knowing that God values us individually should shape our self-worth.
• God’s pursuit of the lost extends to our friends, family, and all people.
• We are called to partner with God in seeking the lost and showing them His love.

Discussion Questions for Youth Group

1. How does understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd change your perspective on your worth and value to God?
2. How can you actively embrace God’s relentless pursuit in your daily life, both in your relationship with Him and in reaching out to others?
3. Share a personal story or example of a time when you or someone you know felt lost but experienced God’s pursuit and love.

Youth Group Game: “Sheep Rescue Challenge”

• Divide into teams.
• Each team has a designated “shepherd” and “lost sheep.”
• The shepherds must blindfold themselves.
• The lost sheep must navigate a course, guided only by their shepherds’ voices, to reach safety.
• The first team to successfully rescue their lost sheep wins.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your relentless pursuit of us, just like the shepherd searching for the lost sheep. Help us to grasp the immense value you place on each one of us and to reflect that love in our lives. As we go out into the world, may we be a light that guides the lost back to you, our Good Shepherd.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Remember, teenagers, you are valuable and loved beyond measure by God. Go out and share that love with others as you embrace His relentless pursuit of the lost.

Children's Sermon "The Lost Sheep" Luke 15:1-10