THE PASSAGE · WORLD ENGLISH BIBLE
Luke 15:1–7
1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to him to hear him.
2The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.”
3He 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?
5When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6When 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!’
7I 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.
Luke 15:1–7 · World English Bible (WEB)
Open the full chapterEDITORIAL REFLECTION · NOT SCRIPTURE
Before you move on
The parable answers a complaint: Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. The shepherd seeks the lost sheep, carries it home and calls others to rejoice. Finding leads to shared celebration. Place the first and last responses alongside each other: grumbling and joy. The story also asks its listeners whether they will share the joy over a person who has been found.
Read the passage again if you want to. Notice which word, action, or question stays with you. You can finish a reading without having finished thinking about it.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
What distinguishes the opening complaint from the closing joy? Whose new beginning do you find difficult to celebrate?
A SPACE FOR YOUR OWN WORDS
A thought to keep.
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