Bible Reading: Luke 15:1–7; Matthew 18:12–14

The Shepherd Who Never Gives Up

One day, Jesus told a story about a shepherd who had one hundred sheep.

The shepherd loved every one of them.

Each morning he counted them.

One… two… three…

Until he reached one hundred.

But one day, something was wrong.

Ninety-nine…

The shepherd counted again.

Still only ninety-nine.

One little sheep was missing.

The shepherd did not say, “I still have ninety-nine. That’s enough.”

Instead, he left the ninety-nine sheep in a safe place and went looking for the one that was lost.

He searched over hills, through valleys, and around rocks.

At last, he heard a tiny “Baa!”

There was the little sheep!

The shepherd smiled with joy. He gently lifted the sheep onto his shoulders and carried it safely home.

Then he called his friends and neighbors.

“Come celebrate with me! I found my lost sheep!”

Jesus explained that God is like that loving shepherd.

Whenever someone feels lost, lonely, afraid, or forgotten, God never stops looking for them.

Every single person is precious to God.

No one is too small, too far away, or too forgotten to be loved.

What Can We Learn?

God knows each of us by name and never gives up on us. Just as the shepherd searched for the lost sheep, God lovingly seeks everyone and welcomes them home with joy.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Notice someone who may feel lonely today. Invite them to join you, offer a kind smile, or let them know they belong.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for loving each one of us so deeply. Help us remember that no one is forgotten in Your eyes. Teach us to welcome others with the same joyful love You show us.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” — Luke 15:6