What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep?
What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep? Jesus taught that a shepherd who has 100 sheep will leave the 99 to find the one that is lost — illustrating God's relentless love for every individual sinner.
Key verse: Luke 15:4-5 (KJV)
Jesus taught that a shepherd who has 100 sheep will leave the 99 to find the one that is lost — illustrating God's relentless love for every individual sinner.
Jesus taught that a shepherd who has 100 sheep will leave the 99 to find the one that is lost — illustrating God's relentless love for every individual sinner.
"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." — Luke 15:4-5 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
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The Biblical Answer
In Luke 15:3-7 (also Matthew 18:12-14), Jesus told this parable in response to Pharisees who criticized Him for eating with sinners. A shepherd with a hundred sheep discovers one is missing. He leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness and searches until he finds it. When he does, he 'layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing' and calls friends and neighbors to celebrate. Jesus concludes, '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.' This parable reveals God's heart — He is not a distant deity waiting for sinners to find Him, but an active seeker who pursues the lost. Each person has infinite value to God. The shepherd's willingness to risk the ninety-nine for the one underscores the extravagant, individual nature of divine love. It also explains Jesus' own ministry: 'the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost' (Luke 19:10).
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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."
"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."
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What is the parable of the prodigal son?
The prodigal son parable tells of a young man who squanders his inheritance in wild living, then returns home to find his father waiting with open arms — illustrating God's lavish grace toward repentant sinners.
What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
Jesus told of a rebellious son who squandered his inheritance, hit rock bottom, and returned home — only to find his father running to embrace him with lavish, unconditional love.
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
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The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The Parable of the Lost Sheep
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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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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
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