Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a poignant teaching of Jesus Christ, illustrating God's profound love and relentless pursuit of sinners. This parable is found in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7. It serves as a powerful metaphor for God's grace and the joy in heaven over the repentance of a sinner.Context and Setting In the Gospel of Matthew, the parable is situated within a discourse on humility and care for the "little ones," emphasizing the value of each individual in the kingdom of heaven. In Luke, it is part of a trilogy of parables, including the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son, which collectively underscore God's joy in the redemption of the lost. Textual Analysis In Matthew 18:12-14 (BSB), Jesus asks, "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go to look for the one that is lost?" This rhetorical question highlights the shepherd's dedication to each sheep, reflecting God's personal concern for every soul. Luke 15:4-7 (BSB) presents a similar narrative: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" The shepherd's actions demonstrate the lengths to which God will go to reclaim those who have strayed. Theological Significance The parable underscores several key theological themes: 1. God's Love and Mercy: The shepherd's willingness to leave the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep illustrates God's boundless love and mercy. It emphasizes that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. 2. Individual Worth: Each sheep holds intrinsic value, symbolizing the worth of every individual to God. This challenges believers to recognize the importance of every person, regardless of their spiritual state. 3. Repentance and Joy: The parable concludes with the shepherd rejoicing upon finding the lost sheep, mirroring the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:7 (BSB) states, "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 ones who do not need to repent." 4. Mission of Jesus: The parable reflects Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, as He declares in Luke 19:10 (BSB), "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." It serves as a call to His followers to participate in this mission of reconciliation. Practical Implications For believers, the Parable of the Lost Sheep is a call to emulate the shepherd's compassion and diligence. It encourages Christians to reach out to those who have strayed from the faith, offering love and guidance back to the fold. It also serves as a reminder of the joy and celebration that accompany the return of a lost soul to God. In summary, the Parable of the Lost Sheep is a profound illustration of God's unwavering love and the value He places on each individual. It challenges believers to reflect this divine love in their own lives, seeking out the lost and rejoicing in their return to the fold. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 18:12,13How think you? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, does he not leave the ninety and nine, and goes into the mountains, and seeks that which is gone astray? Nave's Topical Index Luke 15:4-7 Library The Parable of the Lost Sheep The Whole Number of Spiritual Sheep; Man a Second Choir, after the ... The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. The Lost Sheep. The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ... The Lost Coin. Ciii. Zacch??us. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem. A Sort of Sorites, as the Logicians Call It, to Show that the ... Second Great Group of Parables. Resources What does it mean to be spiritually lost? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org What happened to the lost tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.org Lost: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |