When was the parable of the lost sheep written

Matthew mentions nothing of this. The term used to describe the conduct of the sheep is also different in both versions of the parable. In Matthew, the sheep have wandered off.

They have strayed the course. It seems like Jesus might be addressing Jewish people who have wandered off of the course too or have been misled. On the other hand, in Luke, the sheep are lost. Moreover, in Matthew, it is the sheep that wander off—so the burden is placed on them and their choice to leave the group; they must be forgiven for their error. On the other hand, in Luke, the sheep are lost and must be found.

This is a significant difference. In Luke, the parable is listed with a series of other parables about losing things; a coin, and more notably, the lost son. Luke is a Gospel written to a Gentile audience, perhaps the lost sheep in this parable are referring to Gentiles who are lost themselves. In Matthew, the story is sandwiched between two passages about the consequences of sinning.

First, Jesus warns his followers not to lead the little ones astray, then he describes how one might deal with sin in the church.

If the parable of the wandering sheep is any indication, if a sheep wanders off, it might be the burden or at least the fault of the community. There are subtle differences in language too. Luke says that the owner of the sheep leaves the ninety-nine in the countryside; Matthew says he leaves them on the hills.

It is a one-on-one interaction. In Luke, the owner gathers those around him and rejoices. Luke proceeds to tell us that all of heaven will be rejoicing when the one sheep is found. The passages are fascinating in their similarities and their differences just from observation. This essay explores interpretation in its next section. The distinct purpose and nuance of the three synoptic Gospels is fascinating from a literary and academic perspective.

But the lesson didn't end there. Jesus went on to tell another parable of a woman who lost a coin. She searched her home until she found it Luke He followed this story with yet another parable, that of the lost or prodigal son , the stunning message that every repentant sinner is forgiven and welcomed home by God. The meaning is simple yet profound: lost humans need a loving, personal Savior. Jesus taught this lesson three times in succession to drive home his meaning.

God deeply loves and cares personally for us as individuals. We are valuable to him and he will seek far and wide to bring us back home to him.

When the one who was lost returns, the Good Shepherd receives him back with joy, and he does not rejoice alone.

Matthew In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Commentaries for Luke John They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. Commentaries for John A Prayer for the Lost and the Prodigal.

Debbie McDaniel. Lessons from a Lost Sheep. Dena Johnson Martin. Understanding this will uncover another amazing lesson.

Remember Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners. Guess what they are? Lost sheep. Jesus is trying to let these hard-hearted Pharisees and teachers of the law know how much he cares for those outside the fold.

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. God rejoices over repentance. The Bible tells us a lot of things to rejoice over. Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always. The Psalms are full of calls to bless the Lord. Have you ever considered what God and heaven rejoices over? The one thing God and all of heaven rejoices over more than anything else is one person who repents. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

This shoots an arrow right to the heart of why Jesus came and how wonderful our salvation is. In Hebrews , it says that for the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross. The crown of the cross is your life and mine that God has redeemed.