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b'One of my favorite Bible passages is Jesus\\u2019 parable of the lost sheep. I\\u2019m amazed by the idea of a God who loves His children so much that He will leave the ninety-nine to chase down one. Just picture this story for a moment and imagine what you would do if you were the shepherd. You have one hundred sheep, and you lose one. Do you choose to leave behind the rest of your flock\\u2014all ninety-nine sheep\\u2014to pursue the one who is missing?\\nIf this were me, I don\\u2019t think I\\u2019d leave behind ninety-nine healthy sheep to chase after one sheep who may or may not still be alive. But the shepherd in Jesus\\u2019 parable goes after the lost sheep, carries it back on his shoulders, and celebrates its safe return with great joy.\\nThis parable is Jesus\\u2019 response to the Jewish religious leaders who muttered against Him for hanging out with notorious sinners, like tax collectors (who overcharged to fill their own pockets) and prostitutes. These people were rejected by the religious community, but not by Jesus. He says, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Luke 15:7).\\nIn correcting the religious leaders, Jesus reveals the heart of God. He always wants to save people who\\u2019ve gone their own way against Him, who\\u2019ve gotten lost. God longs for everyone to repent, to turn around and come to Him. That\\u2019s why He sent Jesus\\u2014the Good Shepherd\\u2014who rescues us sinners and brings us home to God. We all need Jesus, and if we\\u2019ve put our trust in His life, death, and resurrection, all heaven rejoices that we are His forever!\\nAnd as Jesus\\u2019 forgiven followers, we get to follow Jesus\\u2019 example. Instead of shunning fellow sinners, we get to welcome those with messy, hurting hearts because Jesus longs to bring us all home. Because Jesus first loved us, we get to show overflowing grace and love to others!\\nAnd when we are lost and hurting, Jesus will leave the ninety-nine to draw us back to Him and reunite us with the flock. \\u2022 Becca Wierwille\\n\\u2022 Why did Jesus hang out with people who others rejected? (Check out Mark 2:13-17.) \\n\\u2022 How does the strength of God\\u2019s love for you make it possible for you to love those around you? \\n\\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn\\u2019t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d Luke 15:4 (NIV)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:'