After the top ten Old Testament stories, we are now looking at the top ten Parables. These stories are are so well known that we sometimes forget their simple message. At number 5 is The Lost Sheep.
It is found in Luke 15:3-7 which is also found in Matthew’s gospel.
The Lost Sheep
Then 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.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
This story is like the one of the Lost Coin, they illustrate God’s boundless love.
God cares for His children especially the ones that go astray.
Jesus reminds us in this parable that every one of us is so precious to Him! He loves us so much and He will never give up on us, no matter what! He leaves the ninety-nine sheep that are safe to go to find that one lost little sheep because that sheep is so important to Him, just like each of us!
This is one of many stories where the imagery of the spepherd is used, showing that God cares and protects us just as a shepherd care and protects his sheep.