“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?”
— Luke 15:4 (KJV)
Introduction
This parable, shared by Jesus in Luke 15:3–7, reveals the boundless love of God for every one of His children. It shows how precious each soul is in the eyes of the Lord, reminding us that heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. Let’s explore its message, reflect on its meaning, and draw inspiration from the shepherd’s pursuit of the lost.
📖 Scripture: Luke 15:3–7 (KJV)
³ And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
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?
⁵ And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
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.
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.
👉 Let’s Break It Down
- The Shepherd’s Pursuit:
- The shepherd leaving the ninety-nine emphasizes the value of the one. God’s love is personal, and He will go to great lengths to bring back even one who has strayed.
- The Rejoicing:
- The shepherd doesn’t scold or punish the lost sheep but rejoices. Similarly, God celebrates when someone turns back to Him, no matter how far they’ve wandered.
- The Heavenly Celebration:
- Jesus reminds us that heaven’s joy is immeasurable when a sinner repents, showing us the weight and beauty of redemption.
⚡Key Takeaway
God’s love is relentless. No one is too lost, too broken, or too far gone to be brought back into His fold. Just as the shepherd carries the sheep back joyfully, God longs to carry us back into His arms when we stray.
Are there any “lost sheep” in your life?
Take a moment to pray for them and ask God for guidance in pointing them back to the Good Shepherd. Whether through prayer, love, or gentle encouragement, you can help them find their way back to Him.
👉 Share this parable with a friend and reflect on how it speaks to your life today.
🔗 Explore more parables from the Gospels
🔗 Learn about mercy in our Bible Verses section
🔗 Read the Word of God the Christian Cowboy way