The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)
Luke 15:1-7 · Berean Standard Bible
In Luke 15:1-7 Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one sheep that wandered off, and rejoices when he finally finds it. He concludes that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous who need no repentance. The parable reveals a God who actively seeks the straying and celebrates their return.
1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus.
2So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3Then Jesus told them this parable:
4“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders,
6comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’
7I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.
Read the wider context: Luke 15.
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Related passages
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son — Luke 15:11-32
- Return to the Lord With All Your Heart (Joel 2:12-13) — Joel 2:12-13
- Peter Denies Jesus Three Times (Luke 22:54-62) — Luke 22:54-62
- The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector — Luke 18:9-14