The parable of the lost sheep is one of the more well-known parables of Jesus. It teaches us of God’s love for us, even when we wander away from Him. It also shows us what our attitude should be toward those who wander off and are restored. It is good to be reminded of parables like this one, and also to make the proper application. Let us consider this parable together.

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:4-7).

In order to understand the point of the parable, we need to recognize the circumstances in which it was given. Luke noted that “the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near [Jesus] to listen to Him” (Luke 15:1). Yet the parable was not directed at them. Instead, Jesus told it to Pharisees and scribes who “began to grumble” against Him because these individuals were coming to Him (Luke 15:2-3).

In the parable, Jesus described a man with one hundred sheep, and one of them wandered off. Rather than throwing up his hands and immediately giving up on the wayward sheep, he left to find it. Amazingly, he was successful, and when he returned with it, he rejoiced with his friends and neighbors. The sheep in the parable represent God’s people – those who already belonged in the fold, whether faithful or wayward.Continue Reading