Decoded
Easter 2025- The Sheep, The Coin, And The Son.
April 20, 2025 | By Jim Burgen
Ever felt like you’ve gone too far to be forgiven?
This Easter message from Jim Burgen hits deep—because it's for the guy who didn’t mean to get lost, the one who got dropped, and the one who flat-out chose the wrong path. Through the stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, Jesus makes one thing clear: no matter how you got lost, He’s coming for you—not to shame you, but to carry you home. If you’re stuck in your own version of the outhouse, this is your rescue story.
Set List
"I Thank God" by Aaron Moses, Chuck Butler, Dante Bowe, Jesse Cline, and Maryanne J. George
"Living Hope" by Phil Wickham and Brian Johnson
"Who Else" by Josiah Funderburk and Zac Rowe, with Abbie Gamboa
"Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence
"From Now On" by Flatirons Music
"Blessed Assurance" by Fanny Crosby, and the music was composed by Phoebe Palmer Knapp
"Can't Help But Praise" by Jordan Colle
"Made For More" by Blake Wiggins, Jessie Early, Jonathan Smith, and Josh Baldwin
"All Hail King Jesus" by Jeremy Riddle, Peter Mattis, Ran Jackson, and Steffany Gretzinger
"No Body" by Brett Younker, Jason Ingram, Pat Barrett, and Steven Furtick
"I Speak Jesus" by Abby Benton, Carlene Prince, Dustin Smith, Jesse Reeves, Kristen Dutton, and Raina Pratt
"Praise" by Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Pat Barrett, and Steven Furtick
Discussion Questions
Easter
Jim Burgen
April 20th, 2025
// Bible References: Luke 15:1-24
// Community Question: What is your favorite Easter tradition?
// Discussion Questions
- Jim told the story of an intern being trapped in an African outhouse for over 24 hours to illustrate how we can feel trapped in our mistakes and the messiness of life. Why do you think Jim used the imagery of a smelly, well used outhouse? Have you ever felt ashamed and trapped in your circumstances? How can remembering that Jesus meets us in our mess influence how you see your struggles?
- Read Luke 15:1-2. This passage highlights that Jesus often spent time with people who were sinners to show his love and acceptance. Jim reminds us how Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Why is it significant that Jesus chose to associate with 'sinners' and 'tax collectors'? How can you show love and acceptance to someone who feels like an outcast or is struggling in your school or community?
- Read Luke 15:3-7. The sermon discusses how sheep are not typically rebellious and often follow others, even leading to their own harm. Like sheep following something that leads them astray, what are some similar ways people can get lost in their lives? Can you think of a time when you followed someone or something, only to realize later that it was not the right choice?
- Read Luke 15:8–10. Jim talks about how being lost can feel like being discarded by people who once said we mattered. Why do you think Jesus highlights such joy in finding what was lost? What does this parable reveal about who—and what—God values?
- Read Luke 15:11-24. In the sermon, we saw how the father’s love wasn’t just a feeling—it moved him to run toward his son, even while he was still dirty and broken. Why is it important to see that real love takes action, like the father showed here? What’s one way you can either receive God’s love more fully this week or show that kind of love to someone else in your life?
// Challenge:
In the sermon, Jim relayed the HUGE promises that God gives to us.
1) “I’m looking for you because I love you, and when I find you…
2) I’ll forgive you and lead you to the place you were meant to be, and when you get there…
3) I’ll wash you clean and give you back what I want you to have.
How is God asking you to respond to His promises this week?