“There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away.” — Luke 15:7 (NLT)
Jesus’ words here are both sobering and exhilarating. They remind us of the very heart of the gospel: God’s love for the one who is far away. In a world that celebrates success, fame, numbers, and growth, Jesus turns the spotlight to a single, broken heart turning back to God. Heaven erupts in joy—not over the crowds, but over the one.
The Heart of the Mission
If we ever wonder what drives the mission of the church, what fuels the calling of every believer, what compelled Jesus to leave heaven and walk among us—it’s this: to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus didn’t come merely to gather the righteous. He came for those who knew they were sick, broken, wandering, and far from home.
And if that was His mission, then surely it must be ours too.
Jesus, the Seeker of the One
Jesus didn’t just preach about reaching the lost—He modeled it. Time and again, He left the crowd to minister to the individual. Here are just a few unforgettable examples:
- The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4): Jesus crossed cultural and gender barriers to speak to a woman with a broken past. One encounter changed her life—and her whole village.
- Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19): Jesus called this dishonest, wealthy man down from a tree and into a transformed life. His mission was clear: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”
- The Demon-Possessed Man (Mark 5): Jesus traveled across the lake through a storm to reach a tormented man living among the tombs. After healing him, Jesus left—His entire trip was for one soul.
- The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8): Jesus defended her from condemnation and restored her dignity. One gentle moment of grace changed her future.
- The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23): Even as He was dying, Jesus extended mercy to a criminal who reached out in faith. One sentence—“Today you will be with Me in paradise”—opened the door to eternity.
- Matthew the Tax Collector (Matthew 9): Jesus called a despised man with two words: “Follow Me.” That call led Matthew to leave everything behind—and it still echoes today.
Each of these encounters reminds us that Jesus notices the one. He listens, reaches out, and restores. If we want to walk in His steps, we must learn to do the same.
Do We Still Feel the Urgency?
In the busyness of church life—services, songs, rehearsals, meetings—it’s easy to focus on the 99. We love our congregations. We serve our teams. We disciple the faithful. And that’s good.
But do we still feel the weight of the one who is missing?
Do our hearts break for the lost in our neighborhoods, schools, cities, and yes—even in our churches?
How Can We Live This Out?
Here are five practical ways we can partner with Jesus in His mission to seek and save the lost:
- Pray daily for the lost. Ask God to put one or two names on your heart. Family, friends, neighbors. Pray specifically and persistently.
- Live with gospel intentionality. Look for opportunities to share your story and the hope of Jesus in natural, loving ways.
- Be present in your community. Join activities outside the church. Go where the lost are and bring light there.
- Welcome them into your circle. Invite people to church, to your home, or to lunch. Build relationships before preaching sermons.
- Keep the mission in your ministry. Whether you’re leading worship, teaching, serving, or playing pickleball, keep your eyes open for those who need Jesus.
Heaven’s Joy Is Our Goal
Jesus wasn’t exaggerating when He said there’s more joy in heaven over one lost soul returning. That’s the kind of celebration we want to provoke. Our goal isn’t just good services or solid theology. It’s transformation. It’s seeing prodigals come home. It’s joining the angels in heaven’s greatest celebration.
Let’s not settle for the ninety-nine alone. Let’s go after the one.
