Introduction

If you’re anything like me, you may sometimes wonder things like “Where do I fit into God’s big picture?” or “How much does God really love me?’

These are questions that can feel abstract at times, especially when life is hard, when we’re facing struggles, or when we’ve made mistakes that weigh heavily on us. But Jesus painted a vivid picture of God’s love for us in one of the most tender and reassuring parables He ever told—the parable of the lost sheep.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

In Luke 15:4-7, Jesus tells this story:

This parable illustrates the heart of God for you and for me. Like the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, God pursues us relentlessly, driven by a love so deep that He will not stop until we are safely back in His care.

God’s Love Is Personal

What’s striking about this story is how personal it is. The shepherd doesn’t just hope the lost sheep will find its way back to the fold. He doesn’t shrug his shoulders and say, “Well, I still have ninety-nine others.” No, he actively goes out, searching until he finds it.

That’s how much God loves you. You’re not just one in a crowd. You’re not lost in the shuffle. He sees you. He knows you. And He loves you enough to leave the rest of the flock behind to bring you home. This is God’s relentless love—a love that pursues us no matter how far we’ve wandered.

We Still Tend to Wander

Even after we’ve been found by God, we still have a tendency to wander. We stray into distractions, temptations, or even self-reliance, thinking we can handle life on our own. But just as the shepherd goes after the sheep that strays, God comes looking for us again and again, drawing us back to Himself with gentle, unwavering love.

This is a picture of grace. It’s a love that isn’t earned or deserved but freely given—a love that persists even when we falter.

How Much Does Jesus Love You?

If you ever wonder how much Jesus loves you, let this parable be your answer: He loves you enough to leave the ninety-nine just to find you. He loves you enough to carry you on His shoulders when you’re too lost, hurt, or broken to make it back on your own. He rejoices over you when you return, celebrating your presence in the fold.

The Apostle Paul captures the magnitude of this love in Romans 8:38-39:

Nothing can separate us from God’s love—not our mistakes, not our failures, not even our wandering hearts. Thanks be to God.

A Love That Calls Us Home

As we reflect on this parable, let’s take time to marvel at the love of God—a love that pursues us, finds us, and brings us back home. Whether you’re feeling lost or found today, know this: God’s love for you is constant and unchanging. He rejoices over you, and He will never stop pursuing your heart.

The next time you wonder how much God loves you, remember the parable of the lost sheep. He left the ninety-nine to find you, and He would do it all over again. He does it every time you or I wander off.

Conclusion

This week, take a moment to rest in the knowledge of God’s unfailing love. Let it fill your heart with peace and joy, knowing that you are deeply valued and cherished by the Creator of the universe. And if you find yourself wandering, don’t hesitate to call out to Him. He’s already on His way to find you, to welcome you with open arms, to carry you back home.

Take some time today and this week to reflect on how God has pursued and loved you. Perhaps reread Luke 15:4-7, or write down moments in your life when you’ve felt God drawing you back to Him. Share this encouragement (or this blog) with someone who might need it, reminding them of God’s relentless love for each of us. Let’s be messengers of His grace and hope.