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The Parable of the Lost Sheep

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I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:7)

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When Jesus was in the world, he preached the gospel of heaven here and there. Many people who were looked down upon by other people came to Jesus.

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There were many tax collectors among people who came to Jesus to listen to his words.

Jesus often ate with them and told them as well.

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But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered,

“This man, Jesus, loves sinners and eats with them. How strange he is.”

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Jesus knew all that they backbit and talked against Jesus.

So Jesus told them this parable,

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A shepherd fed 100 sheep.

The shepherd took care of the sheep.

They ate the best grass and He led them to a good place.

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The shepherd let them eat grass as much as they like.

At evening time, he would always check on the 100 sheep.

And then he would lead them to the shed.

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The shepherd led 100 sheep to eat the grass in a good place as usual.

But one of them left the place where all the other sheep were gathered.

The shepherd did not know about it at all.

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The shepherd was surprised to count each sheep to bring them to the shed.

Because one sheep disappeared.

He counted them over and over again but one had gone.

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The shepherd left the ninety-nine in the open country and went after the lost sheep until he would find it.

He was looking hard for the lost sheep from a close place.

But he could not find it.

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The shepherd started to follow the lost sheep with misgiving.

He thought that a wolf had taken the sheep.

He scoured here and there for the lost sheep but he was not to be found.

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Finally the shepherd heard his lost sheep’s voice and found him after his suffering for a long time. The shepherd was so glad.

So he came back to carry the lost sheep on his back with a glad heart.

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Then he called his friends and neighbors together.

“Come on in! I have found my lost sheep. Rejoice with me.”

The shepherd shared his happiness with his friends and neighbors.

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After finishing the story Jesus said, “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent like in the story.”

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Jesus is so pleased for eating together tax collectors and for sinners to believe in Him.

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When we said to believe in Jesus and became children of God, Jesus had same pleasure. If one among you confess to believe in Jesus, there will be much rejoicing in heaven.

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Today, I hope that you believe in Jesus and friends who believed Jesus lead many friends. So Jesus is always pleased about you.