THE PARABLE OF THE LOST AND FOUND SHEEP

Both Matthew 18 and Luke 15 record Jesus’ parable about a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep in the fold to go in search of one that had wandered away. Jesus gave this illustration in response to the Pharisees who were angry that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The religious leaders in Jesus’ day had designed a system to exalt the self-righteous and exclude anyone who did not live up to their standards. When Jesus came, His style of ministry confused them. He seemed to be from God, yet He rebuked the outwardly righteous and welcomed the sinners. How could this man know God? The people of Jesus’ day understood the relationship between shepherds and sheep, but the significance of a shepherd going in search of one lost sheep is sometimes lost on us. It seems strange that a shepherd would leave his flock to search for one missing sheep. This is an example to help us understand what Jesus is saying: a father and his five children are asleep in their home. Suddenly fire starts in the house. The father awakens to find his house filled with smoke. Panicked, he races to his children’s bedrooms and begins to wake them. Calling to some and carrying others, he stumbles down the stairs and out the front door. He deposits the sleepy children on the grass a safe distance away and then turns. Gasping for air, he counts his kids: Oyemi, Ebi, Ufuoma, Ifeanyi… where is Blessing? His youngest child, three years old daughter is missing!!! Four children are safe, one is not. What will this father do? He will ignore the danger of fire and will go back into that burning house. Why? To find his precious child trapped in the fire of sin!!! That is Love!!! God is a Father. He counts His kids. He rejoices that some are safe in Christ, prepared for eternity, close to His heart. But some are missing. This is the cry heaven and earth heard, the cry of the Father: “Where is Blessing?” God the Father sent Jesus on a rescue mission “to seek and to save the lost” (Lk 19:10). God did not abandon the 99. They are already safe in His kingdom, attended by His angels, and guided by His Holy Spirit. But His heart aches for those not yet in the fold. His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, went to earth and hell to find those lost sheep! Blessed be the Lamb of God!

THE DOCTRINE OF EFFECTUAL CALLING

The doctrine of “Effectual calling or Irresistible Grace” is a Bible teaching about the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, how sinners are transformed to become saved. This doctrine connects with the truth that God is sovereign; He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses within His creation. God is described in the Bible as the Creator, all-powerful and all-knowing, outside of time and responsible for the creation. God has the sovereign control of the universe. Nothing occurs without God’s permission. God has the power and knowledge to prevent anything He chooses to prevent. Anything that happens must, at the very least, be “allowed” by God. Therefore, God’s decrees will inevitably come to pass, even in the salvation of individuals. “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations” (Ps 33:11). “I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure” (Isa 46:9,10). “All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and God does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?” (Dan 4:35). God’s plans do not change and do not fail. Unlike human intentions, His counsel is eternal and trustworthy. The Plans of God’s heart show His Love and deep commitment to men’s good. God’s plans are not limited to a specific time or people but extend throughout history, to all generations, offering hope and assurance to all who trust in Him.

In the Bible, “the elect” refers to some people chosen by God for salvation, service, and a special relationship with Him. Their salvation is rooted in Grace rather than personal merit. They are often defined as believers in Jesus Christ, comprising both Jews and Gentiles. In Greek, the word “eklektos”, means “chosen” or “selected”. It signifies those whom God has ordained or predestined for salvation before the foundation of the world, to be holy and adopted by Him. The doctrine of effectual calling says that The Holy Spirit will work in such a way in the elect, that they will certainly come to faith in Christ. The Spirit never fails to bring to salvation those He personally calls to Christ. Jesus said: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (Jn 6:37).  This is a question: Why does one person believe the gospel, and another does not? Is it because one is more educated, or is smarter? The answer is No! It is because God does something unique in the lives of those He saves. He helps them to have faith in Christ. Salvation is by Grace alone. None can boast of being saved. This is the explanation why no lost sheep of Jesus will be lost forever. Every lost soul of the elect will be found and brought to salvation in Christ!

“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:3-7). In other words, we believe the gospel and are saved because we are transformed by the Holy Spirit.

The doctrine of irresistible grace recognizes that all men are born sinners. They are children of Adam who committed sin. The Bible describes the natural man as spiritually dead. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph 2:4,5). Man must be made alive first before he can hear, believe and respond to the Gospel message. Jesus told Lazarus to “come forth” and Lazarus came out of the tomb (Jn 11:43). Lazarus was dead for some days. For him to hear and respond it means God first made him alive, because a dead man cannot hear or respond. The same is true spiritually. We are dead in our sins. Before we can respond to the gospel message and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we must first be made alive. As Jesus told Nicodemus one must be “born again to see the kingdom of God” (Jn 3:3). We are born again not because of something we do—“the will of man”—but as a sovereign act of God (Jn 1:12,13). Many argue about the connection between God’s sovereign will and man’s will in salvation. The truth is that if the Holy Spirit does not initiate the process of salvation, none can be saved. If the shepherd did not go to find the lost sheep, the sheep will surely die. Jesus is the Good Shepherd! Glory!

JESUS, THE SHEPHERD PHYSICIAN

“And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Lk 5:30-32). In Jewish culture, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and acceptance, implying intimacy and approval. The Pharisees were concerned with ritual purity and believed that associating with “sinners” leads to their spiritual defilement. Their focus on external purity rather than internal transformation reveals the danger of pride, self-righteousness and legalism, which blinds us to the heart of God’s love and mercy. Jesus’ actions demonstrate the importance of Mercy and Grace over judgment, recognizing that we are all in need of God’s mercy. It also shows the importance of community and fellowship in ministry. Jesus responds to the Pharisees who questioned His association with tax collectors and sinners. This response shows Jesus’ authority and wisdom, revealing His role as a teacher and prophet. His response here is direct and challenges the self-righteous attitudes of the religious leaders. Doctors are sought by those who are physically ill, not by those who were well. Jesus uses this analogy to show that those who perceive themselves as spiritually “healthy” or righteous, like the Pharisees, do not recognize their need for spiritual healing. Self-righteousness blinds men to their need for God’s grace. Here, “the sick” represents those who are aware of their sinfulness and need for repentance. The tax collectors and sinners were looked down upon by society, yet they were often more open to Jesus’ message of salvation. They discovered that the Gospel is available to all who humble themselves and ask Jesus for forgiveness, no matter how sinful their past was. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His love and compassion reach to all, especially those society often rejects. The Pharisees’ attitude serves as a warning against self-righteousness. True healing begins with repentance and acknowledging our need for Jesus’ transformative power in our lives. Who are the Sick Among Us? *Physical illness (disease, injury, chronic pain). *Mental or emotional illness (depression, anxiety, addictions). *Socially “sick” (lonely, elderly, shut-ins, homeless, prisoners). *Spiritually sick (unbelievers or backsliders)

ZACCHEAUS – A LITTLE MAN AND HIS BIG GOD

Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, located in the Jordan Valley. The city’s strategic location made it a vital trade and travel route, busy with activity. Jericho was conquered, destroyed and cursed by Joshua. Later, it was rebuilt by Hiel of Bethel, at the great cost of his sons’ death (Josh 6:26,1Kg16:34). This symbolizes the new life and power of resurrection Jesus offers to sinners. Jesus’ passage through Jericho was not accidental. He came to seek and find His lost sheep called Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-10). God’s purpose can never fail!

Zacchaeus is a unique figure in the Bible. In Hebrew, his name means “pure” or “innocent”. This is ironic because of his bad reputation, but it was a prophetic name. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus demonstrates the transformative power of Christ’s love. As a chief tax collector, he held a position of significant authority and wealth. Tax collectors were despised by their fellow Jews because they worked for the Roman occupiers and were known for extorting money. Zacchaeus was despised by the people of his community who saw him as a traitor and referred to him as “a sinner”. The Pharisees did not allow tax-collectors to enter the synagogue to worship God. A pharisee proudly prayed: “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” (Lk 18:11). Zaccheaus was a lonely man. He had money but no friends. His riches were gathered through the exploitation and overcharging of taxes, a common practice among tax collectors. Zacchaeus later offers to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold those he defrauded. This action reflects the teachings of the Old Testament regarding restitution and demonstrates genuine repentance and transformation. Selah!

Zacchaeus is a Surprising Seeker. We don’t expect someone like him to seek Jesus. Both his wealth and his rejection from men could have kept him away from seeking God. But there was this magnetic love coming from Jesus that he could not resist. Because he was a short man, he decided to run ahead and climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus. This story shows how a personal encounter with Jesus can lead to profound life changes. Zaccheaus’ wealth did not prevent him from seeking Jesus. He humbled himself. Despite being marginalized by society, Zacchaeus finds acceptance and redemption in Jesus, reminding us that no one is beyond God’s reach. Zacchaeus’s willingness to repay those he wronged demonstrates true repentance, and true love, which involves a change of both heart, speech and actions. Selah!

LESSONS FOR US

*Wealth gained by fraud and oppression is cursed by God. The only way to be free is to give it away as a sign of repentance and gratitude

“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labour will increase” (PV 13:11)

*None is outside the reach of God’s Grace thru Christ.

*Just as Jesus was passing through Jericho, He passes through our lives. We must be open to His presence and be ready for transformation.

*Social Position and Possessions cannot fill the heart. Wealth and fame are temporary. Only Christ satisfies!

*Humble yourself! Zaccheus called Jesus “Lord!” and obeyed Him immediately.

*Why do sinners run to Jesus? Because they are attracted by His Agape love, the magnet of His grace!

*A hungry heart ignores public opinion. Zacchaeus risked people mocking him when he climbed the tree.

*Never assume that rich or famous people are happy and they will never seek Christ for salvation. God is calling all sorts of people to Him.

*True seekers obeyed immediately.  “He made haste and came down and received Him joyfully”. Delayed obedience is disobedience.

*Social Status can blind or it can become a platform for God’s glory. Zacchaeus chose the latter by running, climbing, and receiving Jesus with open hands and an open wallet. Follow his example: break through the barriers of pride, possessions, and public opinion, and meet the Savior who still says, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Zaccheaus became the happiest man in Jericho. He rejoiced to let go of his money because he loved Jesus more and found the greatest treasure of all, eternal life.

*A warning to the proud. Come down, proud man, come down! Mercy and Grace run in valleys, but they do not go to the mountaintop.

*When we earnestly seek Jesus, He notices us. As Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Lk 19:10).

*True salvation manifests as a transformed life. As believers, our actions should reflect the change that Christ has made in us

*Jesus Knows your Name. When Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was, He looked up and called him by name. Jesus’s knowledge of us is profound and personal, reminding us that we are known and loved by our Creator.

*Zacchaeus was a hardened man. But there was still a soft spot for God in his heart. That day he behaved like a schoolboy, like “a small pickin” (Nigerian slang). He was curious to see Jesus and did not care about his reputation. Jesus always appreciates this natural desire to seek Him. Like any schoolboy, Zacchaeus climbed a tree. Jesus responded in the same way. He too did not care that men hate Zacchaeus. He stopped exactly under the tree, looked up, called Zacchaeus by name and invited Himself into his house. Many of us we are too rigid and are afraid of public opinion. But Jesus made Himself of “no reputation” (Phil 2:7). Zaccheus came down and together, with Jesus, walked on the streets of Jericho to his house. We should do like Jesus and invite ourselves into some poor or rejected people’s homes to drink a cup of water or to share some crumbs of bread with them. This is how “salvation comes” to some people. I am sure that Matthew, who was once a tax-collector like Zaccheaus, had much to advice him. This wonderful love showed to Zacchaeus overwhelmed him and he totally surrender his life and his purse to Jesus.

*No repentance is genuine without restitution of wrongs, so that the conscience is made clean and the sinner who is now a saint, receives favour not only with God but with men! Restitution involves at least returning stolen items, paying back debts, correcting false statements, and offering apologies. “Again, when I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right, 15 if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 16 None of his sins which he has committed shall be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live” (Ezekiel 33:14-16). Selah! Restitution is important in relationships. Genuine repentance produces visible fruit, winning back the trust of those we wronged. What the rich young ruler could not do, Zacchaeus did by giving half of his wealth to the poor and compensating those he cheated in the past.

*Jericho was a cursed city. It represents the world. Jesus entered and passed thru it. He was the only one who could pass thru this world and not be defiled by its sin. But we are trapped by sin’s bondage. Jesus came to seek and save (not trying to save) what was lost in Jericho. Nobody had any hope for Zacchaeus. He was hated by all his people, but God, wanted to save him. God’s ways are not our ways! God pursues this man and he does not even know it. God never “tries” to do anything. He purposes something and He does it. God’s grace produced curiosity in Zacchaeus. He wanted to see Jesus! Except for this effectual grace of God, no man is saved. A drowning man cannot decide to be saved. Somone else must jump in the water to save him. When Jesus looked up at Zacchaeus, He humbled Himself. What a humility we see in Jesus!!! Jesus told him: “Come down” not only from the tree, but down from your pride. Jesus invited Himself to dinner at Zacchaeus’ house. He did not beg him; He just commanded him. This is the power of God’s effectual grace that saves the soul of man. Zacchaeus received Jesus in his house joyfully. The religious unbelievers grumbled when Jesus saved sinners. But Jesus accepted Zaccheaus as the son of Abraham, not after the flesh but after the Spirit, not another Ishmael, but an Isaac, an elect. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He came to seek not what belonged to another, but that which was always His and was lost in Adam! God calls those who are His from the foundation of the world, those whose names were written in the Lamb’s book of life. If you hear the voice of the Shepherd, come to Him! Worship the Lord!