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What does the Bible say about the lost sheep?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God graciously seeks and saves sinners who have wandered from him, rejoicing when they are brought home through Christ. In Luke 15:3-7, Jesus portrays the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to seek the lost sheep, showing heaven's joy over one repentant sinner. Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep in John 10:11, and declares that he came to seek and save the lost in Luke 19:10. Matthew 18:12-14 stresses the Father's will that none of his little ones should perish. Believers also are called, with humility and care, to help restore those who stray, as James 5:19-20 teaches.

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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Luke 15:3-7

    [3] He told them this parable. [4] "Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it? [5] When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' [7] I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

  • Matthew 18:12-14

    [12] "What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn't he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? [13] If he finds it, most assuredly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. [14] Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

  • Luke 19:10

    For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost."

  • John 10:11

    I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

  • James 5:19-20

    [19] Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, [20] let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

  • Luke 15:4

    "Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it?

  • Matthew 15:24

    But he answered, "I wasn't sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

  • Matthew 18:14

    Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

  • Psalms 119:176

    I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don't forget your commandments.

  • Luke 15:1

    Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to him to hear him.

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