Luke 15:1
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
Luke 15:2
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
Luke 15:4
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
Luke 15:5
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
Luke 15:6
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
Luke 15:7
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Understanding this theme in its biblical setting
Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:1–7 in direct response to religious leaders who grumbled that he welcomed tax collectors and sinners. The story reveals a shepherd who does not wait irritably at the gate, but goes out searching until he carries the lost one home rejoicing. Rather than treating individual verses as isolated slogans, Scripture invites us to listen to how the Law, the Psalms, the Prophets, the Gospels, and the apostolic letters speak to one another across centuries of lived faith.
Key passages and their context
Luke 15:1–7 — Context and meaning
Recorded in the four Gospels, this teaching comes directly from the ministry of Jesus—inviting disciples not merely to admire his words, but to practice them in relationship with God and neighbor. You can read the surrounding chapter in Luke 15 to hear how these verses unfold in their full literary flow.
How to reflect on these passages in daily life
- Read slowly in context: Open the chapter surrounding at least one reference above so you hear the speaker's full argument or prayer before focusing on a single sentence.
- Notice what the text reveals about God: Before asking what you must do, observe how the passage describes God's patience, wisdom, mercy, or faithfulness.
- Carry one question into your day: Keep a single phrase or verse close—whether in a notebook, on your Lock Screen widget, or in evening prayer—and return to it when your attention is scattered.
Continue exploring on Versea
You can continue reading in our Bible verses by topic collection, explore related answers in Questions about the Bible, or study a full passage in Bible lessons.
Questions people ask
01Why should I read the full chapter around these verses on lost sheep?
Every biblical verse was written within a specific letter, psalm, historical narrative, or Gospel conversation. Reading the surrounding chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and what situation prompted the words, preventing isolated phrases from being misunderstood.
02Which translation does Versea quote on this page?
In English, Versea quotes the public-domain King James Version (KJV) directly from verified chapter sources so that no verse text is ever altered or generated by AI. You can also compare the full book context in the Bible library.
03How can I carry this passage into daily prayer and reflection?
Choose one verse from the list above, read it slowly in the morning and evening, and ask one honest question: what does this text show about God's character, and what small step of trust or kindness does it invite today?