Carried in Our Mess: The Good Shepherd's Unconditional Love

Sermon Summary: This sermon powerfully illustrates God's unconditional love through the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing that Jesus doesn't wait for us to clean ourselves up before He saves us. The message challenges the notion that we must be perfect before approaching God, instead revealing that Christ came for us in our messiest state. The shepherd doesn't drag the dirty, stinking sheep home but places it on his shoulders, with the filthiest parts closest to his face, demonstrating that Jesus took our sin upon Himself at the cross. This isn't about following religious rules but about relationship—not breaking His heart rather than just not breaking the rules. The sermon distinguishes between condemnation (which isolates) and conviction (which draws us closer to God), reminding believers that they are loved not because they're perfect, but because God is love. The finished work of Calvary means we're accepted because He chose us and carried our burden, not because we earned it.