Gospel
Luke 15:3-7
3 Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes: 4 “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? 5 And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy 6 and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”
“Until the One is Found”
A hundred hearts beneath the sun,
Yet love will chase the wandering one.
The fold is full, the flock secure,
But mercy’s path will still endure.
He leaves the rest, no fear, no bound,
Through shadowed vale and thorny ground.
No stone too steep, no dusk too deep,
To find the lamb that dared to sleep.
And when it's found—O joy, O song!
He lifts it high, where it belongs.
Not blame, nor shame, nor stern rebuke,
But shoulders strong and love’s repute.
So heaven stirs with holy cheer,
For one who turns and draws God near.
For grace forgets the ninety-nine,
To light a feast for one divine.
Lord Jesus,
You are the Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search the hills and valleys of my wandering. When I am lost—confused, afraid, or far— You do not wait for me to find my way, You come. You carry. You rejoice.
Thank You for never giving up on me, for seeking me not with condemnation, but with compassion that lifts and restores. Thank You for the joy in Your heart Each time I turn again toward You.
Teach me to know the worth You see in every soul— Even those the world dismisses or forgets. Let me reflect Your mercy, Your pursuit, Your joy.
Today, Shepherd of my soul, lead me home again and use me to help find those still lost. For Yours is the flock, the journey, and the celebration. Amen.
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
Luke 15:1-10
Gospel Acclamation
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.
Luke 15:3–7 is the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and it’s a powerful window into both the heart of Jesus’ ministry and the social-religious tensions of His time.
Historical Context
This parable is set within a broader moment of tension: Jesus is being criticized by Pharisees and scribes for welcoming and eating with “tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 15:1–2). In first-century Jewish society, table fellowship was a deeply symbolic act—it signified acceptance and inclusion. The religious elite saw Jesus’ actions as scandalous, undermining their strict boundaries of purity and righteousness.
Jesus responds not with a lecture, but with a story. In a pastoral society like ancient Palestine, shepherding was a familiar and earthy image. A shepherd leaving 99 sheep to find one would have been seen as both risky and deeply committed. This would resonate with the common people, but challenge the religious leaders’ assumptions about who was worth pursuing.
Theological Background
Theologically, this parable reveals the radical grace of God. The shepherd represents God (or Christ), who actively seeks out the lost rather than waiting for them to return. The joy over one sinner who repents is contrasted with the 99 “righteous” who feel no need for repentance—perhaps a subtle critique of the self-righteous religious leaders.
This parable also echoes Old Testament imagery: God as the shepherd of Israel (Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34). But Jesus intensifies the image—God doesn’t just shepherd the flock; He goes after the one who strays, lifts it onto His shoulders, and celebrates its return.
Key Insight
The parable flips the religious logic of the day: God’s kingdom isn’t about maintaining the status quo of the righteous—it’s about relentless pursuit of the lost. And heaven rejoices not over rule-keeping, but over restoration.
Learning Lessons
Luke 15:3–7, the Parable of the Lost Sheep, offers rich and deeply personal lessons that speak to the heart of God’s love and our human condition. Here are some key takeaways:
1. Every Soul Matters - The shepherd leaves 99 sheep to find the one that is lost. This teaches us that God values each individual immensely—no one is insignificant or beyond His care.
2. God Actively Seeks the Lost - The shepherd doesn’t wait for the sheep to return. He goes out, searches, and carries it home. This reflects God’s initiative in pursuing us, even when we stray.
3. Heaven Rejoices Over Repentance - Jesus says there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 who don’t need to. This flips the script on religious pride and reminds us that God celebrates restoration, not reputation.
4. We Are All Prone to Wander - Like sheep, we can easily lose our way. This parable invites humility—it’s a reminder that we all need grace, and we all need to be found.
5. God’s Love Is Personal and Persistent - The shepherd doesn’t give up. He searches until he finds the sheep. That’s a picture of relentless love—a love that doesn’t quit, even when we do.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
