The Parable of the Lost Sheep is in Matthew 18:12–14 and Luke 15:3–7. Jesus told this parable to convey that God’s love is so great for His chosen people that He will go to any length to find and bring back even one lost sinner.
This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Lost Sheep, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.
Parable of the Lost Sheep In Scripture
Matthew 18:12–14 – Parable of the Lost Sheep
12 “What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? 13 If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Luke 15:3–7 – Parable of the Lost Sheep
3 He told them this parable: 4 “Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost, until he found it? 5 When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.”
Parable of the Lost Sheep Meaning
This parable means that God’s love and compassion extend to every individual He has called, and He rejoices greatly when a lost sinner repents and is brought back into the fold, just as a shepherd rejoices over finding a lost sheep.
Jesus told this metaphor to convey that God’s love is so great that He will go to any length to find and bring back even one lost sinner, celebrating their return more than the ninety-nine who never strayed.
This parable was directed at the Pharisees and scribes who were criticizing Him for associating with sinners, to illustrate God’s boundless love for every individual He has chosen and His joy over the repentance of a sinner. This was in stark contrast to the Pharisees and scribes who were self-righteous and viewed others with contempt.
Parable of the Lost Sheep Lessons
God’s Active Pursuit
The main lesson is that God actively seeks out those whom He has called and who are lost or have strayed away from the faith, just as the shepherd searches for a lost sheep. Once God chooses you, He will not let you go.
Value of Every Christian
Another point is that every Christian is precious to God, and He cares for each one individually, as the shepherd cares for each sheep. No one person is favored more or less by God regardless of how good they are or how much they have sinned against Him.
Joy In Repentance
This parable reminds us that there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, much like the shepherd’s joy when he finds his lost sheep. In Luke 15:10, Jesus says, “There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
God’s Inclusive Love
God’s love is inclusive and extends to all who are part of His flock, regardless of their past, symbolized by the shepherd’s acceptance of the lost sheep back into the flock. You cannot out-sin the cross of Jesus. Jesus Christ paid for sins, and no matter what someone’s history is, they are covered by His blood because He already paid for it all.
Encouragement to Follow
A deeper lesson here is that Christians are encouraged to follow the example of the shepherd, showing love and compassion to those who are lost or in need of guidance. We should not act self-righteous, judge others for their sins, or hold others with contempt.
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Read More Parables In the Bible
The Parable of the Lost Sheep is just one of many parables in the Bible. Use the links below to explore more of Jesus’ parables, their meanings, and life lessons.
- Parables In Matthew
- Parables In Mark
- Parables In Luke
- All Jesus Parables
- Parables About the Kingdom of God & Heaven
- Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
- Parable of the Divided Kingdom
- Parable of the Faithful Servant
- Parable of the Fig Tree
- Parable of the Friend at Night
- Parable of the Good Samaritan
- Parable of the Great Banquet
- Parable of the Growing Seed
- Parable of the Hidden Treasure
- Parable of the Householder
- Parable of the Lamp on a Lamp Stand
- Parable of the Lost Coin
- Parable of the Lost Sheep
- Parable of the Master and Servant
- Parable of the Mustard Seed
- Parable of the Net
- Parable of the New Cloth and New Wineskins
- Parable of the Pearl
- Parable of the Persistent Widow
- Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
- Parable of the Prodigal Son
- Parable of the Rich Fool
- Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
- Parable of the Sheep and Goats
- Parable of the Sower
- Parable of the Speck and the Log
- Parable of the Talents
- Parable of the Ten Virgins
- Parable of the Tenants
- Parable of the Two Debtors
- Parable of the Two Sons
- Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
- Parable of the Unjust Steward
- Parable of the Watchful Servants
- Parable of the Wedding Banquet
- Parable of the Wedding Feast
- Parable of the Weeds
- Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Builders
- Parable of the Workers In the Vineyard
- Parable of the Yeast
Summary of the Parable of the Lost Sheep
We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
As you discovered, the Parable of the Lost Sheep appears in Matthew 18:12–14 and Luke 15:3–7. And the primary meaning of the parable is that will go to any length to find and bring back even one lost sinner. The life lessons include God actively pursues His chosen people, there is value in every Christian, Heaven rejoices when every sinner repents, God’s love is inclusive regardless of your past, and we are encouraged to follow the example of the shepherd by showing love and compassion to those who are lost.
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