The Parable of the Lost Sheep Explained

The Parable of the Lost Sheep, also known as the Parable of the Strayed Sheep, tells how Jesus loves each one of us. It recounts the story of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep in the pasture to seek the one that is lost. When he finds it, he is very happy and celebrates its return to the flock.

This story, found in the books of Luke 15:1-7 and Matthew 18:12-14, illustrates God’s diligent care for each individual. Even when we stray, He does not abandon us. Just as the shepherd rejoices in rescuing the lost sheep, God rejoices when we reconcile with Him.

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

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.

- Luke 15:1-7

Explanation of the Parable of the Lost Sheep

The parable of the lost sheep, also known as the parable of the strayed sheep, is found in both Matthew 18 and Luke 15. It is a story told by Jesus to convey an important lesson to us. In this parable, a shepherd leaves his flock of ninety-nine sheep to seek one that has gone astray. After finding it, he joyfully carries it back home and celebrates.

For Christians, this parable teaches about God's immense love and care for each individual person. Just as the shepherd seeks the lost sheep, God is always ready to seek and rescue those who stray from the right path. This shows that, to God, each person is valuable and important, regardless of how many others are on the right path.

Furthermore, the parable emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness. The shepherd does not reprimand the lost sheep but welcomes it back with love. In the same way, God is always willing to forgive those who repent and return to Him.

Three main lessons from the parable of the strayed sheep:

1. God seeks each of us with unconditional love.
2. His joy is immense when we reconcile with Him.
3. The parable demonstrates the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

In summary, the parable of the lost sheep reminds us of God’s unconditional love, His willingness to forgive us, and His joy in finding us when we are lost.

How Does The Parable of The Lost Sheep Relate to Us Today?

The Parable of the Lost Sheep remains a powerful and relevant story for us today, highlighting how each person is precious in God's eyes. Just like the shepherd who goes out to find the one sheep that has wandered away, God actively seeks those who feel lost or far from Him, regardless of their past or mistakes. This parable reassures us that we are never beyond God's reach, and He rejoices when anyone returns to Him.

The story also teaches us about our role as followers of Christ. It encourages us to show the same love and compassion to others, reaching out to those who might feel disconnected or forgotten. Whether within our families, churches, or wider communities, we are called to support and welcome back those who are searching for hope, offering them acceptance and a sense of belonging.

Ultimately, the Parable of the Lost Sheep serves as a reminder of God's boundless love and a call for us to reflect that love in our daily lives, always ready to extend a hand to those in need.

You can also find the Parable of the Lost Sheep in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18:

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

- Matthew 18:12-14

Also See:

• The Best-Known Parables of Jesus
• The Parable of the Seeds and the Sower Explained
• Verses about the Importance of Repentance