Luke 15:1 to 15:10 God loves each of us so much that he searches for us when we wander, celebrating with great joy when we are found. Hear the story of the shepherd who left ninety-nine sheep to find the one lost lamb. Hear the story of the woman who lit a lamp and swept her house until she found her lost coin. Understand that there is great joy in heaven over every child who turns to God. Religious leaders grumbled because Jesus welcomed sinners. In response, Jesus told three wonderful stories to show how much God rejoices when lost people come home. The Shepherd and the One Lost Sheep Jesus asked a question: 'What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?' The good shepherd climbed over rocky hills, through prickly bushes, calling out the lamb's name until he found it shivering in the dark. He did not scold it; he joyfully lifted it onto his shoulders and carried it all the way home! The Woman and the Lost Silver Coin Then Jesus told another story about a woman who had ten valuable silver coins. If she lost one coin inside her dark house, what would she do? She lit an oil lamp, picked up a broom, and swept every corner of the floor carefully until she spotted it shining in the dust! When she found it, she called her neighbors and friends together saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost!' Joy in the Presence of Angels Jesus explained the wonderful meaning of both stories: 'Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.' You are not just a number in a giant crowd to God. Even if you wander away or make mistakes, God seeks you with boundless love and throws a celebration in heaven when you come to him! There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10 What did the shepherd do when he found his lost sheep? He joyfully placed it on his shoulders and carried it home He scolded it angrily He left it on the mountain He sold it to a stranger He joyfully placed it on his shoulders and carried it home Luke 15:5 tells us the shepherd lifted the sheep onto his shoulders rejoicing. What did the woman use to find her lost silver coin in the dark house? A lamp and a broom A fishing net A heavy hammer A sword A lamp and a broom She lit a lamp and swept diligently until she found the precious coin. Who rejoices in heaven when someone repents and turns to God? The angels of God celebrate with great joy Nobody notices Only the birds People are angry The angels of God celebrate with great joy Jesus said there is immense celebration before God's angels over every repentant person. Think of a friend who does not know Jesus yet. Pray for them by name every night this week, asking God to help them know his love. Loving Father, thank you that I am so precious to you. Thank you for searching for me like the good shepherd and celebrating when I come to you. Help me love others and share the joy of Jesus with my friends. Amen. Have you ever lost a favorite toy or pet? How did you feel when you finally found it? How does it feel to know that all of heaven celebrates whenever someone turns to Jesus? Early readers learn that God searches for each person individually and rejoices with immense heavenly celebration when the lost are found. Hide a shiny coin in the classroom before class begins. Have children search until someone finds it. Notice the shout of joy when it is discovered! God rejoices even more over us. What does 'repent' mean for a child? To repent simply means turning around: turning away from wrong choices and running into the loving arms of Jesus. 5 min Coin Search Hook, 15 min Story Time, 10 min Memory Verse Drill, 10 min Discussion, 5 min Prayer