The One That Matters: A Journey into God’s Heart

In a culture obsessed with numbers, likes, and followers, it’s easy to assume that bigger always means better. But Jesus flips that idea upside down. In Luke 15:1–7, He tells a story that reminds us: God’s love isn’t about the crowd—it’s about the one.

More Than a Numbers Game

Picture a shepherd with 100 sheep. Ninety-nine are safe, but one wanders away. If we’re honest, most of us would shrug and say, “Well, 99 out of 100 isn’t bad.” But that’s not how God thinks. To Him, one lost sheep is worth leaving everything behind to find.

This isn’t a story about livestock management—it’s about the relentless love of God. It’s about a Shepherd who notices, pursues, and rejoices over each individual. And it’s a challenge for us to do the same.

The Crowd vs. The One

When Jesus shared this parable, He was surrounded by two groups:

• Tax collectors and sinners—hungry, leaning in for hope.
• Religious leaders—standing back, grumbling in judgment.

Sound familiar? There are always those who lean in, desperate for grace, and those who keep their distance, content with criticism. Jesus responds with a story that pulls everyone in: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one until he finds it?”

That question still confronts us today.

Three Things This Story Reveals About God

1. God notices the one.
   In a flock of 100, the shepherd immediately spots the absence. God doesn’t just see crowds—He sees you. Your name. Your story. Your heart. You are never overlooked.
   
   
2. God pursues the one.
   The shepherd doesn’t sit back hoping the sheep stumbles home. He goes after it. That’s grace in motion—God running toward us when we’re running away.
   
   
3. God rejoices over the one.
   When the shepherd finds the sheep, there’s no scolding. No guilt trip. Instead, he throws a party. Heaven celebrates every time one person turns back to God.
   
   

What About Us?

The parable isn’t just about God’s heart—it’s an invitation to share it.
So, here’s the question: Who’s your one?

• Maybe it’s a co-worker who’s drifting.
• Maybe it’s a neighbor you’ve been too busy to notice.
• Maybe it’s a friend who hides their hurt behind a smile.

It’s easy to stay comfortable with the “99”—those who are already in our circles. But Jesus calls us to step out and go after the one who’s missing.

A Shepherd’s Relentless Pursuit

Notice this: the shepherd doesn’t quit. He searches until he finds the sheep. That’s the kind of persistence God shows toward us—and the kind of persistence He asks us to show toward others.

This isn’t about pushing people into faith or treating them like projects. It’s about loving them as the precious individuals they are. A simple act of kindness, a listening ear, or a well-timed word can be the first step in their journey home.

When Heaven Throws a Party

Jesus ends with this stunning truth: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine who need no repentance.”

Every time one life is restored, heaven celebrates. If that’s what makes heaven rejoice, shouldn’t it make us rejoice too?

Bringing It Home

Here’s your challenge this week: prayerfully ask, Who is my one?

Look at your contacts. Scroll through your social feed. Think about your neighborhood. Who might God be nudging you toward?

Don’t overcomplicate it. Send a text. Share a meal. Offer a prayer. Small steps can lead to life-changing moments.

Because behind every “one” is a story, a struggle, and a soul God deeply loves.

And when we chase after the one, we don’t just find them—we discover more of God’s heart for ourselves.

Final Thought

The parable of the lost sheep isn’t just a nice Bible story. It’s the pulse of the gospel. It’s the reason Jesus came, the reason He went to the cross, and the reason we’re still here.

So, let’s dare to notice. Dare to pursue. Dare to rejoice.

Because when the lost come home, the party begins. ?

Who is your one?