What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep?
What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep? The Parable of the Lost Sheep tells how a shepherd leaves ninety-nine safe sheep to search for one that is lost, rejoicing when he finds it.
Key verse: Luke 15:4 (KJV)
The Parable of the Lost Sheep tells how a shepherd leaves ninety-nine safe sheep to search for one that is lost, rejoicing when he finds it.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep tells how a shepherd leaves ninety-nine safe sheep to search for one that is lost, rejoicing when he finds it.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
In Luke 15:3-7, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' grumbling about His fellowship with sinners by telling of a shepherd with a hundred sheep. When one goes astray, he leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness and searches until he finds it. Then he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing, and calls his friends and neighbours to celebrate. Jesus concludes: 'Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.' The parable reveals God's shepherd-heart: He knows each sheep by name, pursues the wandering, and rejoices over every return. The ninety-nine are not abandoned — the point is that no lost sinner is too insignificant for heaven's joy.
Key Scripture References
"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?"
"And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Parable of the Lost Coin?
The Parable of the Lost Coin tells of a woman who searches diligently for one lost silver coin and rejoices with her neighbours when she finds it.
What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is Jesus' story of a wayward son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it, and was welcomed home by his forgiving father.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is the Passion of Christ?
The Passion of Christ refers to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus — the events that secured salvation for all who believe.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before His resurrection, when crowds waved palm branches and cried 'Hosanna!'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Parable of the Lost Sheep Quiz
The shepherd who leaves the ninety and nine to seek one (Luke 15).
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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