1 1-3 By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story.
4-7 “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
Jesus invites people to rejoice and celebrate for one lost sheep that is found. Gospel is about salvation, joy, celebration, rescuing, etc. Gospel is about good news to sinners, no more condemnation, but full acceptance and restoration of relationship with God. Legalistic religion is on the contrary - condemnation, discrimination, burden, extreme caution, fear, lack of joy, etc.
My dear friend, Jesus, I call you as my dearest friend on earth as I can always come to you without fear, without worry of disapproval or judgment, and also with joy. You love being with me, spending time with me without any sense of wastage, walking with me in various circumstances or stages of my life. Let me walk with you today, no matter on ground or in the air, being with you is the most precious moment I should enjoy each day.
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