The Lost Sheep
A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost, and rejoices greatly when he finds it. So heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
Luke 15:1-7
Take the Luke 15 Quiz
Test your knowledge of this chapter
Explore Luke Chapters
Study all chapters of Luke
The Story
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'
Then Jesus told them this parable: 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep."
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.'
The Lost Sheep
Kids Version
Some religious leaders were complaining about Jesus. 'Why does He hang out with BAD people?'
Jesus answered with a story:
Imagine you're a shepherd with 100 fluffy sheep. You count them: 1, 2, 3... all the way to 99. Wait—99?! One sheep is MISSING!
What would you do? Leave the lost sheep alone? Say, 'Oh well, I still have 99'?
NO WAY! You would leave those 99 sheep and go SEARCHING! Over hills, through valleys, calling out. You wouldn't give up until you found that one lost sheep.
And when you finally find it—stuck in some bushes, scared and tired—you wouldn't yell at it. You'd pick it up, put it on your shoulders, and carry it home!
Then you'd call all your friends: 'Come celebrate with me! I found my lost sheep!'
Jesus said, 'Heaven is like that! When ONE person turns away from sin and comes to God, all the angels celebrate! There's more joy over that one person than over 99 who didn't wander away.'
YOU matter that much to God! If you feel lost, He's looking for you right now. He won't give up. And when you come back to Him, heaven throws a party!
Ready to test your knowledge?
See how well you know this story from Luke.
Characters in This Story
Scripture — Luke 15:1-7 (KJV)
1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Memory Verse
“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.”
— Luke 15:1 (KJV)
Test Your Knowledge
How well do you know the story of “The Lost Sheep”? Take the quiz to find out.
More from Parables of Jesus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “The Lost Sheep” in the Bible?
A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost, and rejoices greatly when he finds it. So heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. This story is found in Luke 15:1-7.
Where is “The Lost Sheep” found in the Bible?
“The Lost Sheep” is found in Luke 15:1-7, in the book of Luke.
What can children learn from “The Lost Sheep”?
This story teaches children about God seeks the lost, Every person matters, Joy in heaven, Rescue. A shepherd had 100 sheep. When just ONE got lost, he left all the others to go find it! When he found it, he was SO happy! That's how God feels about each one of us.