Thursday 20 June 2013

Background

This passage is the first of a series about searching forsomething that is lost until it is found, sometimes afterconsiderable hard work (see Luke15:8-10, 11-32). The idea of looking for a lost sheepmay only seem profoundly important to those who are farmers orshepherds or live and work in country areas. But in Jesus time, andtoday in many places, it would be a common occurrence.

Sheep usually prefer to stay together, but even in this country,they may wander as they eat. In wild or mountainous areas findingthem all may be very difficult, and some may have been unable toreturn, or have fallen. The television programme 'Countryfile' hasoccasionally shown what might be called sheep roundups. The 'lostsheep' image has also become very popular in art and literature,even among those who may not think about the biblicalbackground.

Jesus hints very briefly at what this search might cost. He isnot just thinking of the hard work of a search in difficultterrain, but the very real risk to the other sheep if the shepherdis not there to protect them from predators or thieves. Inaddition, carrying a sheep is not an easy option, especially if itis hurt or wet.

So it is interesting that the focus is on the searcher's joy.This joy leads to an open invitation to a party with presumablylots of food and drink and laughter. It is a triumphantcelebration, which apparently believes all the risks were worthit.

To Ponder

• How do you feel about the idea of heaven as a party?

• How do you respond to the idea of a searching God?

• To what extent are you willing or even eager to search forpeople in need?