What is the parable of the lost sheep?
In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15), the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one that wandered off — revealing the heart of God, who pursues each individual sinner with personal love.
"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4).
When he finds it, he carries it home on his shoulders, rejoicing. He calls his friends together to celebrate: "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep."
Jesus’ point is staggering: "There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." God’s love is personal, not statistical.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.