Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a poignant teaching of Jesus Christ, illustrating God's profound love and relentless pursuit of sinners. This parable is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, specifically in Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7. It is a vivid metaphor that underscores the value of each individual soul and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.Context and Setting In the Gospel of Matthew, the parable is part of a discourse on humility and care for the "little ones," emphasizing the importance of each believer in the kingdom of heaven. In Luke, it is the first of three parables about lost things, followed by the Parable of the Lost Coin and the Parable of the Prodigal Son, all of which highlight God's grace and mercy. The Parable In Matthew 18:12-14 , Jesus says: "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go to look for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish." Similarly, in Luke 15:3-7 , the parable is recounted: "Then Jesus told them this parable: 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.'" Symbolism and Interpretation The shepherd in the parable represents Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who is willing to go to great lengths to rescue those who have strayed. The lost sheep symbolizes a sinner who has wandered away from the fold of God. The ninety-nine sheep represent those who are already in the safety of God's care, the righteous who remain faithful. The act of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep highlights the personal and individual nature of God's love. It demonstrates that every person is precious in the eyes of God, and He desires that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). The shepherd's joy upon finding the lost sheep reflects the heavenly celebration over a sinner's repentance, emphasizing the value of redemption and restoration. Theological Implications The Parable of the Lost Sheep reveals the heart of God as one of compassion and mercy. It challenges believers to reflect on their attitudes towards the lost and to emulate the shepherd's dedication in seeking and saving the lost. It also serves as a reminder of the grace that believers themselves have received, encouraging them to extend that grace to others. This parable is a call to the Church to prioritize evangelism and outreach, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches those who are lost. It underscores the mission of Jesus, who came "to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10), and invites believers to participate in this divine mission. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 18:11-13For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. Nave's Topical Index Luke 15:4-7 Library The Parable of the Lost Sheep The Whole Number of Spiritual Sheep; Man a Second Choir, after the ... The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd The Lost Sheep. The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ... Second Great Group of Parables. Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma. The Lost Coin. A Collection of Scripture Testimonies. From the Gospels. Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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