MADE FOR MORE: You Belong Here
Overview
We live in a world where belonging often feels conditional. People want you to look the part, act the part, and prove yourself before you are fully accepted. But Jesus flips that script. In Luke 15, He tells the story of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one who wandered off, not because the one earned it, but because it mattered.
At Journey Young Adults, we follow the heart of Jesus: everyone belongs before they believe or behave. You do not have to have it all figured out to sit at this table. Whether you are running, doubting, or even hiding, God is chasing after you. He is not waiting for you to clean yourself up or get everything right. His love finds you right where you are. His pursuit is proof of your value, a reminder that you are seen, known, and loved.
As His church, we are called to carry that same heart, to go after the one, to open our arms wide, and to welcome people home. Belonging here is not earned; it is given. Grace is stronger than your past. Hope is greater than your fear. Love keeps the door open for you.
You belong here. You always have. And when you step into this community, you will find more than a seat at the table. You will find a family.
Read
Luke 15:1-7 NIV –Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “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? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’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.
Romans 15:7 NIV – Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Discuss
What part of the story of the lost sheep grabbed your attention? Was it something the shepherd did, something about the sheep, or the way Jesus told it? Why do you think that part stood out?
When have you felt like you truly belonged—or like you didn’t—at church or in life? What was it about that moment that made you feel included or left out?
Why do you think Jesus cared so deeply about the one sheep instead of staying with the ninety-nine? What does that tell us about His priorities and His heart for people?
What makes it hard for you personally to believe that you belong sometimes? Is it pressure from others, your own doubts, or something else?
How can we make this group or our church feel more welcoming?
What’s one thing we could do differently that would help someone feel at home here?Who in your life might feel like they don’t belong right now? What makes you think they feel that way, and how could you come alongside them?
What’s one way you could “go after the one” this week? It could be a text, an invite, a conversation, or just showing up for them.
How does it feel knowing Jesus says you belong to Him before you’ve got it all figured out? How could believing that change the way you see yourself and others?
Call to Action
Text or call someone you haven’t seen in a while to check in.
Introduce yourself to someone new at church this Sunday.
Spend time this week thanking God that you belong to Him.
