Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’
7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.—Luke 15:1-7
This is a famous parable...most people probably get its meaning, but maybe you are like me and have not really rethought its meaning since you first heard it as a child. Having done that (rethought its meaning) this morning, I am feeling...well...sheepish.
I have loved this particular parable since I was a child for two reasons. The first is because I really love animals, and the second is because I personally HATE to lose anything. For example, when my children were little, I would take care to ensure that when a toy or puzzle was put away it had all its pieces. If it didn’t, a search would ensue. I could really relate to the Shepherd’s joy in finding the sheep that was lost.
Today as I read, I observed a word in verse 7 that I had not noticed in all my previous readings. The word was “just”, and that one little word made me rethink the entire parable. Read the verse again and notice how the “just” person is defined.
7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance
Do you see why I am feeling sheepish? Inserting myself into the story, I am the lost sheep who was found! The other 99 are the ones who are really lost because they think they are righteous and, therefore, have no need of repentance. The Bible says that there is none that are righteous...no not one...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Beloved....the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost. He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. The joy of God Himself is when a blinded, lost “sheep” comes to repentance.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.—Hebrews 12:2
For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.—2 Peter 2:25
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