Luke 15:1–10

The Lost Sheep—Matthew 18:12–14

¹All the tax collectors and sinners came to listen to Jesus. ²But the Pharisees and the experts in Moses’ Teachings complained, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 

³Jesus spoke to them using this illustration: ⁴“Suppose a man has 100 sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the 99 sheep grazing in the pasture and look for the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵When he finds it, he’s happy. He puts that sheep on his shoulders and ⁶goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says to them, ‘Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ ⁷I can guarantee that there will be more happiness in heaven over one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts than over 99 people who already have turned to God and have his approval.” 

The Lost Coin

⁸“Suppose a woman has ten coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house, and look for the coin carefully until she finds it? ⁹When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Let’s celebrate! I’ve found the coin that I lost.’ ¹⁰So I can guarantee that God’s angels are happy about one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts.”