The Parable of the Lost Sheep

God's Love, Mercy and Forgiveness
The Parable of the Lost Sheep, The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) and The Parable of the Prodigal Son all tell of God's infinite mercy and love, even for sinners.

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

(NAS, Luke 15:4-7)

Just as the sheep is lost and in danger, many among us are separated from God and lost in sin.

Just as the owner of the sheep makes every possible effort to find his lost sheep, God makes every possible effort to bring sinners to repentance and forgiveness.

Just as a person rejoices when a long-lost treasure is found, God rejoices when a lost sinner repents.

History of publications!

The Parable of the Sower
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds

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source text http://www.christianbiblereference.org/jparable.htm
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