“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” Matthew 18:12

Let’s clear something up.

You don’t have to run away for Jesus to come chasing after you.

You just have to realize… you already did.

He wasn’t asking the self-righteous to go off and wander so He could then find them. He was desperately trying to help them see they were already far off—already sick, already lost—just too proud to admit it. Too blind to see their need for a Savior. Too self-assured to notice the Good Shepherd who was standing right in front of them. 

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. To heal the sick. To seek and save the lost. Not the people who think they’re fine, but the ones who know they’re not.

So, you’re not wrong to feel undeserving of God’s grace.

You were wrong the moment you thought you ever deserved it.

Any good standing you have isn’t earned. It’s gifted. From Jesus, start to finish.

In Luke 15, the prodigal's brother refused to celebrate. Bitter. Jealous. Angry.

Why?

Because he thought never leaving made him entirely worthy of his own celebration.

He missed the point entirely.

The Father wasn’t looking for someone to impress Him.

He just wanted both sons at the table—together—rejoicing in the grace that He freely gives.

So, whether you’re still lost or already found, don’t forget where you came from. Don’t forget who brought you home. Rejoice in the rescue. Rejoice in the Shepherd. And when you hear His voice, run to Him. Again and again and again.

Those who realize their need for great rescue are the very ones who greatly rejoice.

He left the 99 for me, so I can’t help but rejoice.