Sermon Notes
The Hound of Heaven
THE PARABLES OF JESUS – Part 3
September 13, 2026
Luke 15:1-32 Lost, Found, Rejoicing Parables
Avoid the “Holy Huddle” heart of the Pharisees, and adopt Jesus’ heart of compassion for the lost.
I. It’s a heart for the lost.
Verse 3 – Lost Sheep
Verse 8 – Lost Coin
Verse 31 – Lost Son
1. Their character:
- Isaiah 53:6 reveals that they have turned to their own way.
- I Corinthians 2:14 identifies them as, “People who can’t understand the truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds
foolishness to them.” (NLT)
II. It’s a heart that pursues the lost.
Verse 4 – The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine and goes after the lost sheep until he finds it.
Verse 8 – The woman lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds it.
1. The two parables describe God pursuing a fleeing soul with relentless, loving persistence.
2. The Prodigal Son parable: The father did not go out to seek the son.
The memory of the fathers’ goodness brought him back.
3. The Father’s response:
Verse 20 – “He was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed
him.”
III. It’s a heart of celebration.
Verse 7 – “I tell you there will be rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents.
Verse 10 – “I tell you there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Verses 23-24 – “Bring the fatted calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead
and is alive again; he was lost and found. So they began to celebrate.”
1. Lost sheep found, lost coin found, lost son returned: celebrate.
2. One sinner, one sinner, one son returned prompts a massive
heavenly celebration.
“If we say we are his, we must follow the example of Christ,” 1 John 2:6.
That translates into having his heart for the lost; a pursuing heart, and a heart of celebration when they are found.