the parable of the lost sheep

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Luke 15.1-7

By Elizabeth Kirkby

Now all the tax collectors an sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable:

“Which of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me. For I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance”

MankindThe sheep represent mankind. They are the flock which the shepherd has created.We are all followers of God and as his children we belong to his flock.

God

God is represented by the shepherd in the parable.He cares for all of his sheep and keeps them safe.

Being LostOne of the sheep wonders off and gets lost in the parable.This represents a person loosing their faith.They are lost without the guidance of God.

Being Found

In the parable the sheep is found by the shepherd. He puts the sheep on his shoulders and carries him back home.God is always searching for those who have lost their faith. He will not give up on anyone because we are his children.

God’s LoveThe shepherd loves each one of his sheep. He is not angry that the sheep got lost but his is so happy that he has found it again.God’s love will see nobody left behind.He loves everyone of his children, even those who loose their way.

Rejoicing

The shepherd rejoices over one single sheep being found.This is how God feels when we find our faith again and return to him.He is more joyful that a sinner has asked for forgiveness than all the other people who do not need to ask forgiveness.