“The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”  Luke 19:10

“I’m not lost.” 

I’ll never forget hearing my Dad say those words.  

For twenty minutes, I shared the message of salvation, telling him how Jesus had changed my life. Based on his response, the message wasn’t getting through. 

The problem with my Dad’s response, of course, is the Bible is clear that, apart from Jesus, all of us are exactly that:  Lost.  

Essentially, according to the Bible, being ‘lost’ spiritually means that we are living life apart from God, separated by our sin nature and prideful self-sufficiency.  

‘Lost’ is our default spiritual condition in the world. 

At first, this sounds demeaning, maybe even a little offensive. It’s only natural for us to put up our defense (like my Dad) as we argue, “I’m not lost. I’m doing just fine, thank you very much. I have a nice house, a family, a good job. I pay my taxes. I’m kind to my neighbors. Does that sound like I’m lost?” 

But unless we surrender our pride and humbly admit that we really are spiritually lost, we will never know the joy of being found. 

In Luke 15, Jesus shares three parables, each illustrating His passionate pursuit of the lost. 

THE LOST SHEEP (Luke 15:3-7)

The shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep behind and goes after the one that is lost. 

THE LOST COIN (Luke 15:8-10) 

Realizing that she’s lost one of her ten valuable coins, the woman “sweeps the house” and searches “carefully,” not giving up until she finds it.  

THE LOST SON  (Luke 15:11-31) 

We’ve all played the part of the prodigal son- insisting on doing things our way, only to find ourselves in a lost, broken, and desperate place. Nevertheless, the father runs out to meet us while we are a long way off. 

A sheep. 

A coin. 

A son. 

Sheep, by nature, are prone to wander from their Shepherd.

Coins accidentally vanish from sight.

The son deliberately left his father’s home.   

All were lost, but now they’re found.  

Here’s the inescapable reality – we are all in one of two camps: lost or found.  

There is no middle ground. 

So, if you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus has “found” you, thank Him for coming to your rescue. Celebrate the stunning reality that He did not leave you on your own. Stop and think of all He’s carried you through since He found you. I mean, seriously, where would you be without Him? Where would you be if He had not graciously and relentlessly pursued your wandering heart?  

Remember, He has called you to join Him on His mission to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). So, share the gospel with your life, proclaim the good news with your lips, and earnestly pray for the lost around you. 

And if you don’t yet have a story of how Jesus found you, I offer these words.

My father died years ago. Honestly, I don’t know if he ever confessed that he was lost and needed the Savior.

But it’s not too late for you.…you have today. You have this very moment. What’s holding you back?

Someone wisely said, “There’s only one thing worse than being lost…[and that is] being lost and no one is looking for you.”

I have good news, my friend. Jesus is looking for you. Like the father of the prodigal, He is eager to forgive, cover you in mercy, and throw a lavish celebration in your honor (Luke 15:22-23). 

It’s time for you to come home. 

With a smile on His face and a tear in His eye, Jesus will exclaim, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24). 

“As long as man thinks he can save himself, he remains lost.” -Martin Lloyd-Jones

Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

READ ANOTHER STORY ABOUT BEING LOST

“Are You Spiritually Lost?” by Bryant Wright