The Lost Sheep Parable: Story and Sermon

 
The Parable of the Lost Sheep, as found in the Bible, is one of the most powerful and beloved stories told by Jesus. It appears in both the Gospels of Matthew (18:12-14) and Luke (15:3-7), and although the context differs slightly between the two, the message remains profound. It speaks to God’s love, grace, and the value He places on every single soul. As we delve into this parable, let us explore its meaning and implications for our lives today, reflecting on its call to compassion, mercy, and the pursuit of those who are lost.

 

The Story of the Lost Sheep

In Luke's Gospel, the parable begins with Jesus addressing the Pharisees and scribes, who are grumbling because Jesus is welcoming and eating with sinners. To these religious leaders, associating with those deemed unrighteous was an act of defilement, something a pious person should avoid. Jesus responds by telling them a story:

Imagine a shepherd with a flock of a hundred sheep, and one goes astray. Instead of staying with the ninety-nine safely grazing in the open fields, the shepherd sets out on a mission, driven by love and concern, to find that one lost sheep. When he finally discovers it, he doesn’t just lead it back; he lifts it onto his shoulders, a symbol of care and relief, and carries it home. Overwhelmed with joy, he gathers his friends and neighbors, inviting them to share in his happiness, saying, "Celebrate with me, for I have found the sheep that was lost!" In this same way, the heavens erupt in joy, not for the multitude of righteous who stay on the path, but for the one who, having wandered, finds their way back through repentance.

This story is deceptively simple, yet it reveals profound truths about God’s character and His relationship with humanity.

 

The Shepherd’s Love and Care

In this parable, Jesus portrays God as a shepherd, a role that would have been familiar to His audience. Shepherds in ancient Israel were responsible for the well-being of their flock, often tending to them day and night, leading them to pasture, protecting them from predators, and caring for their every need. The image of God as a shepherd is also echoed in the Old Testament, particularly in Psalm 23, where David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

But what stands out in this parable is the shepherd’s concern for the one sheep that has strayed. He leaves the ninety-nine others in the open country to search for the one that is lost. This action may seem reckless from a practical standpoint—why risk leaving the majority of the flock to search for one wayward sheep? But this is precisely the point Jesus is making. God’s love for each individual is so great that He will go to extraordinary lengths to bring them back. The value of one soul is immeasurable in His eyes.

This aspect of the parable challenges us to reconsider how we view others, especially those who are lost or marginalized. In a world that often values the majority, the powerful, and the successful, this story reminds us that every person, no matter how insignificant they may seem, is precious to God. His love is not based on merit, status, or number, but on His intrinsic care for each of His creations.

 

The Lost Sheep: A Symbol of Humanity

The lost sheep in the parable represents humanity in its fallen state. We are all like sheep who have gone astray, as Isaiah 53:6 tells us, turning to our own way rather than following the path God has set before us. Sin, pride, ignorance, and rebellion lead us away from God, separating us from the life and joy He desires for us. In this sense, the lost sheep symbolizes every sinner who is in need of salvation.

But the parable also speaks to those who may feel forgotten, abandoned, or unworthy. The lost sheep could represent those who are outcast, neglected, or marginalized by society—those who feel they have no place among the ninety-nine. Jesus’ message here is that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace. He seeks out the lost, the broken, and the forgotten, and He rejoices when they are found.

This parable offers profound hope for those who have wandered far from God. It reassures us that God never gives up on us. Even when we are lost in the wilderness of life, He is actively seeking us, longing to bring us back into the safety of His fold. The lost sheep is not a burden to the shepherd but a cause for great joy when found.

 

The Joy of Restoration

One of the most striking elements of this parable is the joy that the shepherd experiences upon finding the lost sheep. He doesn’t scold or punish the sheep for wandering away. Instead, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, carries it home, and calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him.

This celebration mirrors the joy that occurs in heaven over one sinner who repents. Jesus is telling us that God delights in our return to Him. The joy of restoration far outweighs the sorrow of our wandering. This is a powerful reminder of the grace and mercy of God. He does not hold our past against us but celebrates our repentance and return.

For those of us who are already part of the “ninety-nine,” this parable calls us to share in God’s joy over the lost being found. It challenges us to adopt God’s perspective, to rejoice in the restoration of others rather than harboring resentment, jealousy, or indifference. The Pharisees and scribes were quick to judge and condemn, but Jesus calls us to be agents of grace and celebration.

 

A Call to Action

While the parable primarily reveals God’s character, it also serves as a call to action for believers. If we are to follow the example of the Good Shepherd, we must also be willing to seek out the lost. This means going beyond our comfort zones, reaching out to those who are hurting, and offering love, grace, and compassion.

In the context of the church, this parable challenges us to be a community that reflects the shepherd’s heart. We should be a place where the lost are welcomed, where those who have strayed can find their way back without fear of judgment, and where restoration is celebrated. Our mission is not just to tend to the ninety-nine but to actively pursue the one who is missing.

This pursuit may take different forms. It could mean reaching out to a friend who has drifted away from faith, serving in a ministry that cares for the marginalized, or simply being present and available for those in need. Whatever the form, the call is clear: we are to embody the love and care of the Good Shepherd in our daily lives.

 

The Broader Implications

Beyond the immediate context of the church and personal relationships, the Parable of the Lost Sheep also has broader social and ethical implications. It challenges us to consider how we treat the “lost” in our society—those who are marginalized, oppressed, or overlooked. Do we, like the shepherd, go out of our way to seek their well-being? Do we advocate for justice, inclusion, and restoration, or do we remain content with the ninety-nine who are already safe?

This parable encourages us to adopt a posture of active love and concern for those on the fringes of society. It calls us to be agents of reconciliation, both spiritually and socially, and to work towards a world where no one is left behind or forgotten.

 

The Example of Christ

Ultimately, the Parable of the Lost Sheep points us to Jesus Himself, who is the Good Shepherd. In John 10:11, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus didn’t just tell this parable; He lived it. He came to seek and save the lost, and He did so at great personal cost. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expression of the shepherd’s love and sacrifice.

"As disciples of Christ, our lives are a canvas to reflect His example in every brushstroke of action and thought." This means not only caring for those within the church but also going out into the world to seek those who are lost. It means laying down our lives—our time, resources, and comfort—for the sake of others. It means loving with the same radical, sacrificial love that Jesus showed.

 

Conclusion

The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a timeless reminder of God’s relentless love and pursuit of each one of us. It challenges us to see others through the eyes of the Good Shepherd, to value every soul, and to rejoice in the restoration of those who are lost. It calls us to be a community of grace, compassion, and celebration, actively seeking the well-being of others.

As we reflect on this parable, may we be inspired to follow the example of Christ, to reach out to the lost, and to embody the love and care of the Good Shepherd in our lives. Let us never forget that, in God’s eyes, every sheep matters, and every soul is worth seeking.

Amen.