The Stewards of Grace — Friday, April 24, 2026

THE PARABLE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4)

In this poignant parable, Jesus is speaking to a group of sinners and tax collectors, much to the chagrin of the Pharisees who are grumbling about His associations (Luke 15:1-2). The immediate context reveals the heart of Jesus, who seeks to illustrate the lengths to which God will go to reclaim those lost to sin. His audience was well-acquainted with shepherding, making the imagery relatable and profound.

JESUS' EXPLANATION

"And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'" (Luke 15:5-6)

Here, Jesus provides a vivid depiction of the shepherd's joy upon finding the lost sheep. This mirrors the heart of God, who does not merely tolerate sinners but seeks them with relentless love. The essence of the parable is that God values every individual—His grace extends beyond the gathered, embracing the strays. As the context of the Gospel unfolds, we see that Jesus Himself is the ultimate Shepherd, bringing redemption to those who cannot find their way back on their own.

COMMENTARY

This parable speaks powerfully to the doctrine of election, illustrating that God's grace is not a passive offering but an active pursuit. It is a testament to His sovereignty—He wills that none should perish. In our day-to-day, we often forget the profound reality that we, too, were once lost. Like the lost sheep, our wandering did not deter our Shepherd; instead, it compelled Him to draw near to us.

In this light, we are called not just to bask in the glory of grace but to be stewards of that same grace in our relationships—searching for the lost among us, rejoicing at their return. I challenge you this week: consider those in your life who appear lost—how can you embody the shepherd's heart? Show them the grace that you have received.

FEATURED GAME OF THE DAY

In a thrilling contest, the Chicago Cubs edged out the Philadelphia Phillies 8-7. The Cubs’ victory was driven by standout performances from their players, with several hitters contributing key runs to secure the win. Pitcher Drew Smyly earned the win, showcasing resilience in a tightly contested matchup.

MLB LEAGUE RECAP

April 23 saw several notable scores as teams jockey for position in the standings. The Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals 7-2, while the Milwaukee Brewers fell short against the Detroit Tigers, losing 5-4. The San Diego Padres triumphed over the Colorado Rockies in a high-scoring affair, winning 10-8. In other action, the New York Yankees claimed victory against the Boston Red Sox (4-2), and the Minnesota Twins lost a close contest to the New York Mets, 10-8. Overall, the competition remains fierce as teams aim to solidify their places in the race for the postseason.

Today's Proverb