In each parable, something valuable is lost, and a search is started. In the first parable, a shepherd has one hundred sheep and loses one. He leaves the ninety-nine in search of the missing animal. When he finds it, he rejoices and places it on his shoulders. He is so overjoyed that when he arrives home, he invites his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him. Jesus says that in a similar fashion, there is great joy in heaven over the sinner who repents, even more so than the ninety-nine