Lost sheep
explanation, commentary
Luke 15.1-7 "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Who is the shepherd
A shepherd went looking for a lost sheep until he found it. Upon finding it, he rejoices because he saved the sheep. That shepherd is Jesus. Jesus came to earth to save us, He gave His life for us. His life is an example for us, He became our Shepherd and we became His sheep.
Who's a sheep
Here the answer is simple, Scripture states "Greater will be the joy in heaven of one sinner who repents." A sheep that separates itself from the flock being in the wilderness knows that it needs a Shepherd. The sheep is the sinner who repents. People who are not complacent know that salvation comes from God and only the grace of Jesus can offer it to us. The lost sheep repents, and the result is joy in heaven for the converted sinner.
Who are the 99 sheep
The sheep were left by the Shepherd in the wilderness. There are no green pastures there, sooner or later a sheep found in an empty field without care will die. The Shepherd, after finding the lost sheep, did not return to the flock, but went home. The sheep, despite such a disadvantageous situation, still believe they are in a safe place. The 99 sheep are people who reject Jesus. Righteousness means people like the Pharisees, the scribes, who outwardly present themselves in a favorable light, but their hearts are corrupt. Man cannot save himself, each of us needs the Lord for that. The 99 sinners, living in hypocrisy, do not humble themselves before the Lord, they are too proud to admit that they are sinners in need of the Creator.
