Luke 15
The Story of the Lost Sheep
Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to seek one that is lost, and rejoices when he finds it.
Setting and Context
Luke 15 gathers three parables of lostness and joy. The lost sheep answers religious complaint about Jesus welcoming sinners. The shepherd's pursuit and celebration reveal God's heart toward the lost.
The Story
Publicans and sinners draw near to hear Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes murmur that He receives sinners and eats with them. Jesus answers with a parable.
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost until he find it? When he finds it, he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing.
Coming home, he calls friends and neighbors to rejoice with him. Jesus concludes that likewise there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance.
Meaning and Importance
Tax collectors and sinners draw near to Jesus, and the Pharisees murmur. Jesus answers with the parable of a shepherd who seeks one lost sheep, finds it, and calls friends to rejoice. Likewise there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.
The lost sheep parable reveals a seeking God. Lostness is serious, but so is pursuit. Heaven's joy over repentance confronts cold religion that resents mercy. Jesus' welcome of sinners matches the Father's rejoicing.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
Luke 15:4
“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”
Read Luke 15Luke 15:6
“And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”
Read Luke 15Luke 15:7
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
Read Luke 15What This Story Teaches
- God seeks the lost rather than waiting passively.
- One repentant sinner matters immensely to heaven.
- Religious resentment can miss the joy of mercy.
Questions about Lost Sheep
Where is the parable of the lost sheep?
The parable of the lost sheep is found in Luke 15, and a related saying appears in Matthew 18.
What does the lost sheep parable teach?
It teaches that God seeks the lost and that heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
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