Scriptures:
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “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? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 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.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Luke 15:1-10
Devotional:
During World War II, a soldier named Desmond Doss made a decision that defied every expectation. He was a medic and a man of deep Christian conviction who refused to carry a weapon—not because he feared battle, but because he believed God had called him to save life, not take it.
His fellow soldiers mocked him. Called him a coward. Said he didn’t belong on the battlefield. But in 1945, on a cliff in Okinawa, Desmond Doss showed the world what true courage looks like. As the battle raged and bullets flew, his unit was forced to retreat. But Desmond stayed behind—alone, wounded, and surrounded by the enemy. No gun. No protection. Just faith.
One by one, he began dragging wounded soldiers to the edge of the cliff and lowering them to safety. And with every life he saved, he whispered a simple prayer: “Lord… just one more.”
By the end of that night, Desmond Doss had saved 75 men. It’s a breathtaking story of courage, but even more than that—it’s a glimpse of the heart of Jesus. Because that’s exactly what He did for us. Jesus, at great cost to Himself, entered the battlefield of this broken world. He didn’t come armed to destroy but to save. He found us wounded and lost and carried us to safety, one by one.
He is the Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one. He is the Savior who gave His life so that you could be found, healed, and brought home.
And just like Desmond Doss, the prayer of Jesus’ heart echoes through eternity:
“Just one more.”
That should be our prayer too.
When we walk into our workplace.
When we talk to a neighbor.
When we see someone who’s hurting or far from God.
“Lord, just one more.”
This is why the Church exists—to reach the one.
This is why we go where we go and do what we do.
Because Jesus gave His life for the one.
Reflection:
Who is the “one” God is putting on your heart today? Someone who’s hurting, searching, or far from faith? How can you pray, serve, or reach out to them this week?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for coming after me when I was lost. Give me your heart for the one. Help me see people the way you do, to notice the hurting and reach out with your love. Today I pray, Lord, just one more. Use me to help one more person find you. Amen.