The Lost Sheep

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a touching and timeless story told by Jesus, found in the Gospels of Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7. This parable emphasizes the joy of finding what was lost and highlights the boundless love and care that God has for each individual.

The Story

The parable begins with Jesus addressing a group of people, including tax collectors and sinners who had come to listen to Him. The Pharisees and teachers of the law were also present, and they were critical of Jesus for associating with such people. In response, 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.'

In the same way, I tell you that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

The Meaning

The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a profound lesson about God's love, compassion, and the value of every individual. Here are the key messages of this parable:

1. Individual Worth: The shepherd's willingness to leave the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one lost sheep illustrates the immense value that God places on each person. Every individual is precious and worth seeking out, no matter how lost they may seem.

2. God's Pursuit: The shepherd's relentless search for the lost sheep symbolizes God's persistent pursuit of those who have strayed from the path. God does not give up on anyone but continually seeks to bring them back into the fold.

3. Joy in Repentance: The joyful celebration upon finding the lost sheep reflects the joy in heaven when a sinner repents and returns to God. This emphasizes that God takes great delight in the repentance and restoration of even one lost soul.

4. Community Rejoicing: The shepherd's invitation to friends and neighbors to rejoice with him underscores the importance of community and shared joy in the recovery of the lost. It reminds us that we should also rejoice when others find their way back to the right path.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a powerful reminder of the unconditional love and compassion that God has for each of us. It encourages us to recognize our own value in God's eyes and to extend that same love and compassion to others, celebrating their return and restoration.

Kids Version

The Story of the Lost Sheep

Have you ever lost something really important to you and felt so happy when you found it? This is a story Jesus told about a lost sheep and a shepherd who cared so much about it. Let's hear the story!

The Story

Once upon a time, there was a shepherd who had 100 sheep. He loved all of his sheep and took very good care of them. Every day, he would lead them to green pastures to eat and to fresh, cool water to drink.

One day, while counting his sheep, the shepherd noticed that one sheep was missing! Oh no! One of his precious sheep had wandered off and gotten lost. The shepherd was very worried. Even though he still had 99 sheep safely with him, he couldn't stop thinking about the one that was lost.

So, the shepherd decided to leave the 99 sheep in a safe place and went out to search for the lost sheep. He climbed over hills and through valleys, looking everywhere. He called out for the sheep, hoping to hear a bleat in response.

Finally, after a long search, the shepherd heard a faint sound. There it was! The lost sheep was stuck in some bushes. The shepherd gently freed the sheep and picked it up, putting it on his shoulders to carry it back home.

The shepherd was so happy to have found his lost sheep that he called his friends and neighbors and said, "Rejoice with me! I have found my lost sheep!" They all celebrated together because the lost sheep was safe and sound.

The Lesson

The story of the Lost Sheep teaches us some important lessons:

1. You Are Special: Just like the shepherd cared so much about finding the one lost sheep, God cares about each and every one of us. You are very special to God!

2. Never Give Up: The shepherd didn't give up searching for the lost sheep, and God never gives up on us, even when we make mistakes or feel lost.

3. Joy in Helping Others: When the shepherd found the lost sheep, everyone celebrated. We should also be happy and celebrate when someone who was lost finds their way back.

So remember, if you ever feel lost or alone, know that God is always looking out for you and cares about you deeply. And if you see someone else who needs help, be like the good shepherd and help them find their way back.