Lost Sheep



The parable of the lost sheep, is the capstone of the three parables that are right in a row in the Bible, the other two being the lost coin and the prodigal (lost) son. The word parable means "to set beside", or as a comparison. These parables are told in a set of three to drive home his point and are told in response to the Pharisees and religious leaders accuse Jesus of welcoming and eating with sinners. They are all about God rejoicing when lost sinners return to the fold.

1) The main character possesses something valuable and does not want to lose it.
2) The main character rejoices in the finding of the lost thing, but does not rejoice alone.
3) The main character (God) expresses care in either the looking or the handling of that which was lost.
4) Each thing that was lost has a personal value, not just a monetary value: shepherds care for their sheep, women cherish their bridal jewelry, and a father loves his son.

In this parable, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, identifying himself with the God of the Old Testament (Ezekiel 34:11-16). It also points to Jesus as the Messiah due to being the fulfillment and descendant of the old Testament King David, who was a shepherd (think Psalm 23 and the parallels). The lost sheep is any sinful person, but more specifically, any old Adam. This could be an unbeliever/pagan or a Christian who fell away.

accusing under-shepherds of not taking care of flock

Some might think it is strange to throw a party for a Shepherd just does his job. But this shepherd loves his sheep and sheep who stray are in mortal danger. Therefore, there is great joy when the Shepherd finds the sheep because he saved his life.

shepherd finds the sheep. the sheep doesn't find the shepherd, or even know it is lost.

In Matthew he states that the sheep go astray on a mountain. In the Bible the mountain has a special meaning of a holy place. This emphasizes that the sinner is the one who is responsible for straying away from God.

In Luke, emphasizes that the sheep is lost by a Shepherd in an open field. This points to the undershepherds not doing their job in protecting their congregations. This is pointing blame on the Pharisees and religious leaders.

In either case, it is God who rescues the lost sinner with no help from the sinner himself. In fact, the sheep does not even know he is lost and in danger.