The following was written by our friend, Judy C.

When I think of the parable of the lost sheep, my mind goes to the hymn, The Ninety and Nine by Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane.

There were 90 and 9 that safely lay in the shelter of the fold.

But one was out on the hills away, Far off from the gates of gold.

Away on the mountains wild and bare: Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

“Lord, Thou hast here thy 90 and 9; Are they not enough for Thee?”

But the Shepherd made answer; “This of Mine has wandered away from Me.

And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find my sheep.”

There are 100 sheep who all look alike. How did this shepherd know the one was missing? It would be easy to overlook one, I am sure, or to focus on the majority. But the shepherd knew the flock well and valued each one of them. So, the shepherd leaves his flock of 99 to find the single lost sheep, even though the journey was difficult and the path not clear or well-marked.

Every person matters, regardless of their status or position in society. This parable emphasizes the importance of every individual, something that we all need to be reminded of. It also shows the need for perseverance, whether it is in our struggle or in helping another.

And all through the mountains, thunder-riv’n, and up from the rocky steep,

There arose a glad cry to the gates of heav’n, “Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”

And the angels echoed around the throne, “Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own.”

One of the most touching moments is when the shepherd finds his sheep. You feel the joy and relief that he feels. We should appreciate our journey, even when we feel lost, because the joy of finding our way is worth it. The parable is also a reminder that even when we stray or make mistakes, there is always a second chance. We, like the shepherd, just need to never give up.

This parable gives us the opportunity for self-reflection. Do we have empathy for others and take personal responsibility? The result will be triumph and celebration when we do.

Listen to this beautiful rendition of the hymn here.

Here are the lyrics if you would like to sing along.

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Relevant Scripture

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 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.  (Luke 15:1-7)