When Religion Locks the Gate, Jesus Jumps the Fence

“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” (Luke 15:4 KJV)

Religion doesn’t write stories like this. Grace does.

Religion builds fences and says, “Don’t leave.”

Grace breaks them to rescue the one that did.

To most religious institutions, one isn’t worth the trouble. One means risk. One means scandal. One means questioning the system.

But Jesus?

He leaves the safety, the structure, the 99.

And He goes after the one.

Because the Shepherd doesn’t answer to policy—He answers to love.

Religion Says:

• Stay in line.

• Check the boxes.

• Work your way back.

Jesus Says:

• You’re lost?

• I’ll find you.

• I’ll carry you home.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Let that sink in.

Most religious systems don’t chase the broken. They guilt them.

They don’t embrace the prodigal. They shame him.

They don’t bleed for the one. They punish the 99 for watching him go.

But Jesus leaves.

He doesn’t delegate.

He doesn’t wait for the lost sheep to come crawling back.

He gets up and moves.

Because He’s not interested in institutional order. He’s here to redeem sons and daughters.

You might be the 1.

You might feel like you’re too far gone. Too messy. Too complicated. Not worth the trip.

Religion may have turned its back.

But the Shepherd hasn’t.

He left the 99 for you.

He’s coming over the hill.

And He’s not stopping until He brings you home.

#SlayStupidity #ChristIsKing #GraceOverReligion