Lost Sheep
~ Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:1-7
A lot of the people we serve through Kitchen One for One are people who have, for whatever reason, lost their way and find themselves at the crossroads of trying to get on their feet while dealing with the reality of the way things are. Many are even experiencing homelessness. Life’s trials can significantly impact their spiritual health, and the challenges and barriers they face can lead to a lack of hope. While our tacos can feed their appetite, it’s also our place to help create space for them to encounter their greatest need of all, Jesus (read that sentence again).
In trying to meet them where they’re at and witness for Christ, we have to be empathetic to some of the difficulties and barriers that might stand in the way. For instance…
When someone is homeless, their primary focus is often on meeting basic needs like food, shelter, and safety. This can leave little time or energy for spiritual practices or having a positive outlook on God.
Christ-centered spiritual health is nurtured within community but being down and out is usually accompanied by isolation and a lack of supportive relationships.
A lot of the people we serve also struggle with mental health issues that can make it challenging to find peace or meaning, which are essential components of experiencing Jesus.
Addiction often interferes with any kind of sustainable or transformative faith.
They often face stigma and discrimination, which leads to feelings of unworthiness and a lack of dignity.
Most of the people we serve have limited access to church, discipleship, and spiritual counsel.
Now, let’s tie this into the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus describes God’s love and concern for each individual, especially those who are lost or marginalized. The message is clear… God values and seeks out every person, regardless of their circumstances. Just as the shepherd goes to great lengths to find the lost sheep, God reaches out to those who are struggling, offering them love, grace, and a place to belong.
For us, this means that we are called to actively seek out and support the people we serve by providing not just physical assistance in the form of delicious tacos and quinoa salad, but also spiritual assistance and inclusion. By doing so, we reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd, who rejoices over every lost sheep that is found.
