The Parable of the Lost Sheep is very familiar. It is often depicted in art, like this lesser-known piece by John Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1893). The shepherd in Grimshaw’s scene looks more like a first century shepherd. As you look at the painting, the viewer has to search for the sheep with the shepherd.
The parable is found in the Gospel of Matthew and in Luke. This
week, we’ll look at both, because there is a slight, subtle difference between
the two versions.
Scripture
12What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep,
and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the
mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13And if he finds
it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that
never went astray. 14So it is not the will of your Father in heaven
that one of these little ones should be lost. (Matthew 18:12-14)
4‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one
of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one
that is lost until he finds it? 5When he has found it, he lays it on his
shoulders and rejoices. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his
friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my
sheep that was lost.” 7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in
heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who
need no repentance. (Luke 15:4-7)
Conversation starters
Did you notice the difference? Matthew says, it is not
the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should
be lost. Luke on the other hand states, there will be more joy in heaven
over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who
need no repentance.
The emphasis on who is lost and found seems to be important,
to me. Matthew’s ‘little ones’ corresponds to the ‘least of these’ being
important. Luke seems more concerned with the rescue (i.e. salvation) on ‘one
sinner.’ We know the Gospel writers were addressing different audiences, which
may explain the difference. Matthew’s congregation was more Jewish, while Luke
was speaking to Gentile converts.
The expansiveness of the inclusion of all the ‘little ones,’
seems to show God’s love for all humanity and all creation. Matthew implies you
don’t have to repent to be sought and receive God’s love. Like the pearl and
treasure of last week, God sees the value in each of us, even when it is hidden
by being lost and separated from God. After all, what is sin except the choice
to separate ourselves from God’s love?
Which Gospel account of the parable speaks to you? Why?
Who do you think of when you hear ‘little ones’?
Who might be the lost ‘sinner who repents’?
Does this Gospel story help you experience God’s love in a
new way?
Action Item
Just for fun, help Jesus find the lost sheep in the maze
puzzle.
