The Parable of the Lost Sheep is one of the most cherished teachings of Jesus Christ, illustrating the boundless love and mercy of God towards sinners. This parable is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, each providing a unique context and emphasis.

Scriptural Accounts:

1. Matthew 18:12-14 :
"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."

2. Luke 15:3-7 :
"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.'"

Context and Interpretation:

The parable is set within the pastoral imagery familiar to Jesus' audience, where shepherding was a common occupation. The shepherd's dedication to finding the lost sheep reflects the divine initiative in seeking out those who have strayed from the path of righteousness. The shepherd's actions underscore the value of each individual soul to God.

In Matthew's account, the parable is part of a discourse on humility and care for the "little ones," emphasizing God's concern for the vulnerable and wayward. It serves as a reminder of the Father's unwillingness for any to perish, highlighting the importance of community and accountability among believers.

Luke's version is part of a trilogy of parables about lost things, including the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son, which collectively emphasize repentance and divine joy over the return of sinners. The parable in Luke is directed towards the Pharisees and scribes, who criticized Jesus for associating with sinners. It challenges their self-righteousness and underscores the inclusive nature of God's kingdom.

Theological Themes:

1. Divine Love and Mercy: The parable illustrates God's proactive love and mercy, seeking out the lost with compassion and joy. It reassures believers of God's relentless pursuit and forgiveness.

2. Repentance and Restoration: The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents highlights the transformative power of repentance and the restoration of the sinner to the community of faith.

3. Value of the Individual: Each person is precious in God's sight, and the parable affirms the worth of every soul, regardless of their past.

4. Community and Responsibility: The shepherd's actions serve as a model for the church's mission to seek and restore the lost, emphasizing the collective responsibility of believers to care for one another.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep remains a powerful testament to the heart of the Gospel message, inviting all to experience the joy of reconciliation with God.Luke 15:3-7
And he spoke this parable to them, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ...
... lost; in the second (that of the Lost Drachm), in ... seems to imply, what otherwise
these Parables convey, that ... so much from bitter hostility to Christ, as from ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the three parables.htm

Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma.
... shall have leave to begin with the parables, where you ... that he configured it but
to the lost heathen, about ... 782] and the good shepherd' is Christ; [783] and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter vii of the parables of.htm

A Sort of Sorites, as the Logicians Call It, to Show that the ...
... of Sorites, as the Logicians Call It, to Show that the Parables of the Lost Sheep
and the Lost Drachma Have No Suitable Application to the Christ of Marcion. ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxxii a sort of sorites.htm

Christ Teaching by Parables
... Another thing we are taught in these parables is"CHRIST'S LOVE FOR SINNERS. The
parable of the lost sheep teaches us this truth: but as we had occasion to ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by parables.htm

The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.
... which the Master here exhibited in parables were afterwards ... Christ has already come
to this sinful man, in ... good shepherd came to the lost sheep; therefore the ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/the lost sheep the lost.htm

Second Great Group of Parables.
... Second Great Group of Parables. ... Hebrews 12:2], for I have found my sheep which was
lost. ... Had the Pharisees been neighbors to the spirit of Christ, they would ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 2.htm

Christ's Sheep
... flock, and to seek the lost sheep, and bring ... sowing and reaping, and feeding sheep;
and taught ... the country people could understand Christ's parables, when the ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon v christs sheep.htm

The Lost Coin.
... that "if the shepherd in the last parable was Christ, the woman in ... that, in respect
to the person who seeks the lost, these two parables teach precisely ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxiii the lost coin.htm

Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ]
... Peter's confession that he is the Christ: the transfiguration ... Pharisee, and heals
a man with dropsy; parables of the great supper, of the lost sheep, of the ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/chronological table of the life.htm

'That which was Lost'
... divine nature, and so to vindicate the conduct of Christ. ... statements of the subjects
of the parables, because I ... The sheep was lost, the drachma was lost, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/that which was lost.htm

What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org

How many parables are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus teach in parables? | GotQuestions.org

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