and alone, the sheep is overjoyed to be found and in the process becomes a symbol for repentance. Repentance is not a work which earns our rescue. Rather, the sinner accepts being found. One form of oriental logic is to build up a series of similar illustrations to make a point (see Amos 3:3–8; 1 Corinthians 9:7–12). So here there are three parables on the same topic. Some dramatic elements remain constant through all three, others develop and still others shift in emphasis. For example, the first
Page 34