Slideshow image

Reading: Luke 15:1-10

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4“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? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7I 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.

Reflection:  

This parable is such a beautiful portrayal of God’s character as revealed in Jesus Christ. Here we see the love and compassion Jesus has for the sinner. That’s you and me for without Jesus’ forgiveness we are all sinners.  

On our own, we all have a tendency to wander off, even those of us who love Jesus with our whole heart. We wander down side roads and get stuck in a gully or in the mud. For whatever reason, we cannot find our way back. Or perhaps, we are afraid for we have let God down again.  

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11) Like the shepherd in the parable he goes off looking for us. He calls us by name waiting for our weary, timid and perhaps fearful reply. Notice that the shepherd does not punish the sheep. Rather, recognizing its weakness, he gently picks the sheep up and carrying it on his shoulders brings it back to the fold.  

In the same way, Jesus shows compassion on us. He gently untangles us and picks us up doing for us what we are not able to do for ourselves, returning us to the fold. There is such a celebration when he returns that even the angels in heaven get in on it.  

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, longs to show us compassion. He is calling our name. Do you hear him?  

Other related passages:  

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” (John 10:11)  

“He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to his heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.” (Isaiah 40:11)