What is the parable of the lost sheep?
The lost sheep is Jesus’ picture of God’s heart for sinners — a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one and throws a party when he carries it home (Luke 15:1–7). Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
Jesus tells the story to defend his welcome of "tax collectors and sinners." A good shepherd does not write off a missing sheep — he searches until he finds it.
The picture turns the religion of his critics inside-out. They think God is glad when sinners stay away; Jesus says God is glad when sinners come home. "There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
For us, two takeaways. If you are the lost one — Jesus is already out looking; come back. If you are part of the ninety-nine — make sure your joy matches heaven’s when someone else does.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.