In Luke chapter 15, Jesus tells a simple story that carries a profound message.
A shepherd has one hundred sheep. One of them wanders off and becomes lost. Instead of staying safely with the ninety-nine, the shepherd goes out searching for the one that has disappeared.
At first glance, that might seem like strange maths. Why leave ninety-nine sheep just to find one?
But Jesus is not really talking about sheep. He is talking about people.
The Backdrop to the Story
Before Jesus tells this parable, we are told that tax collectors and other outsiders were gathering to hear Him speak. At the same time, the Pharisees and religious teachers were complaining.
They were upset that Jesus welcomed these people. In their minds, these were sinners who did not deserve attention or respect.
The religious leaders believed they were already good enough. They trusted their own behaviour and reputation.
But Jesus wanted to show them something about the heart of God.
Every Person Matters
In the story, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep together in the pasture and goes searching for the one that is lost.
Why?
Because the lost sheep is vulnerable. It is alone. It is in danger.
And because every sheep matters to the shepherd.
Jesus later describes Himself this way in John 10:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
— John 10:11 (NIV)
This is the kind of shepherd Jesus is. One who knows His sheep. One who loves them. One who goes looking for them when they wander.
Not Perfect People, But People Who Need Grace
There is a helpful way of thinking about the church that captures this idea well. As Nicky Gumbel once said, the church is not a museum that displays perfect people. It is more like a hospital where wounded people come to find healing.
That is exactly the point Jesus was making.
None of us are perfect. All of us have made mistakes. Every one of us needs forgiveness and a new start with God.
That is why the shepherd goes searching.
A Party in Heaven
The parable ends with a celebration. When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he carries it home on his shoulders and calls his friends together to celebrate.
Jesus says the same thing happens in heaven.
“There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
— Luke 15:7 (NIV)
Of course, the point is that everyone needs to repent. No one is perfect.
But when someone realises their need for God and turns back to Him, heaven celebrates.
How Will You Respond?
This story shows us something beautiful about God. He is not distant. He is not irritated with us. He is not waiting for us to fix ourselves first.
Instead, He is the shepherd who searches.
And the question the story leaves us with is simple: how will you respond to that love?