1. The shepherd's heart (1-7)

The sinners and tax collectors were thirstily drinking in the word of God, but the Pharisees criticized Jesus for welcoming them. They did not know God's heart. Jesus taught them what makes God rejoice. God is like a shepherd who cares about one lost sheep. He leaves the 99 and goes out searching for the lost one until he finds it. Then he joyfully carries the lost one home and calls in his friends to share his joy. These sinners and tax collectors were lost sheep. When one such sinner receives God's word and repents, God and all his angels fill heaven with joyful songs.

2. One woman's urgency (8-10)

Jesus' second parable was also about something lost and found. The woman who lost one of her 10 coins could not rest until it was found. She tasted the joy of finding what was lost. Then, she called in her neighbors to rejoice. God's joy over finding one lost sinner is like this--but much greater.