PARABLES OF JESUS || The Lost Sheep

This is the tenth of the series - Parables of Jesus

Welcome to another year, everyone.

I am grateful for God’s mercies upon our lives so far and in days to come.

Today, we will look at the Parable of the Lost Sheep. This will be the last episode in our Parable series before we launch into another, this year.

Let us read two similar yet different accounts of this parable and learn what the Lord has for us today.

Matthew 18: 12-14, KJV.

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Luke 15: 1-7, KJV.

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Jesus Christ, The Great Shepherd

Jesus gave this story of a shepherd who went at great length to look for his sheep who had gone astray from the pack of 100. Though He posed the parable as a question to the Pharisees and Scribes who scorned Him, one thing was evident — Jesus was referring to Himself as the Shepherd in both accounts.

Good shepherds lead their sheep to pastures and water, guard and protect them from wild animals, as well as ensure they are well-catered for. Whenever one wanders from the fold, it is the shepherd’s responsibility to look for the lost sheep till it is found and brought back to the fold.

More than once, the Scriptures emphasize that Jesus came to rescue; to seek and to save the lost. This is seen in John 3:16 where it says that God sent Him not to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. What this shows us is that Jesus came to find and redeem us who were once lost, as well as those who may be lost currently.

Who Are the Lost?

Mankind became lost from the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God [Genesis 3:1–15]. What was a perfect relationship between God and man became broken and sin came into him. Man became separated from God and lost the Spirit of God dwelling within him. In summary, man became estranged and lost.

It was for this reason that Jesus came to redeem mankind, and restore us to the perfect relationship that was lost [Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 53:6, John 3,16]. Out of the mercy and love of the Father, He sent His Son who willingly gave up His life so that all who are lost may be found by putting their faith in Him.

To Be Found

Luke’s account gives us an elaborate view on the extent of rejoicing that occurs every time a lost sheep is found and brought back to the fold, while paralleling a similar joyful celebration in heaven when a person repents and is restored to God through Christ.

Matthew 18:14 states that God wants no man to perish. The word perish which has its origin in the Latin language, can imply a wasting away, decay or destruction of a thing. When we fit this meaning into the text, it will give us an idea (if not the ultimate picture) of how much God desires everyone to be saved both here and in eternity. However, we cannot be saved if we refuse the victory over death that has been purchased for us.

Jesus Christ, who is both Son of Man and Son of God, has paid the ultimate price with His life through His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, has come to seek those who are far from Him. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has laid down His life for us all. 

Happy are those who accept His sacrifice of love on the Cross of Calvary.