What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 15:4, sits inside Luke 15. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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?"
Supporting Passages
"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."
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Parable of the Lost Sheep Quiz
The shepherd who leaves the ninety and nine to seek one (Luke 15).
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