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