Lost Sheep and Lost Coin

To know first of all that you are lost, that is, truly sinful and unclean, is the first part of repentance. Self-examination, and private confession, are laudable routines whereby we identify and enumerate our sins, such as pride and even fear. For then, knowing yourself to be a lost sheep, you shall be glad to know that, being found by the Good Shepherd, you cause angels to rejoice. And then fear departs, for why should you fear if you know that you are hanging about the neck of the shepherd? To fear is to think yourself still lost in the thicket. Rather, let us, in faith and confidence that we have been brought home, rejoice that this man, our Lord Jesus, receives sinners and eats with them. Sermon for Trinity 3.