“Journeying with Jesus Through the Parables: Part 1” The Parable of the Lost Sheep

“Journeying with Jesus Through the Parables:  Part 1: The Parable of the Lost Sheep" 

Luke 15:3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “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? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 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.”

In this day and age, we don't know much about sheep. In fact, most of us have never raised an animal other than pets. We can only imagine losing a dog or cat. That is, unless you are a farmer. Where I grew up, there were horses, cattle, pigs, and chickens. Let me tell you, it was a big deal when a farmer lost one of his animals. Most of the time, the farmer did not lose it – the animal had run away on purpose. The farmer’s family would go out searching and bring it home. 

 
I can remember my grandmother in the middle of a tornado warning chasing cows with a broom to get them to come back into the barn. Yes, it looked a lot like The Wizard of Oz. In her case, she left all the kids safe in the house and went to chase the cows back to safe shelter.

 
Leaving the ninety-nine to go after the one – that is pretty amazing. Imagine trying to find a sheep in the hills of the Bible lands. The hard part is not even just wandering and looking, but it's the fact that the animals hide. It's also the thought of leaving behind the others, although they were likely still under the care of a young shepherd (like Grandma leaving the younger kids with the teenagers). And there was much rejoicing when the lost animal was safe.

Meditations

1.   Reflect on a time when  you experienced losing a pet or a farm animal. Describe your fears and how you felt on the journey to find it. Think of how you felt when you held your pet in your arms that day.  This is how Jesus feels when you are safe in His arms. Write about how this touches your heart.

2.   Now imagine that you are the one who is lost. Remember how it felt to be lost. Write about a time when you felt lost spiritually, away from Jesus. Why were you lost – were you running, hiding, or just frozen somewhere in fear?  Describe the situation and the feelings you had. 

3.  We often overlook a major  theme in this parable: Joy. When the shepherd finds his lost sheep, his joy cannot be contained. And the sheep also feels joy being back with the shepherd. Reflect upon the Good Shepherd’s joy at finding you when you were lost.

4. This story is one of the most beloved parables. Jesus comes to seek you out.  It matters not whether you wandered off, or whether you fled the sound of His voice. He searches for you and carries you home.  Write in your journal about what this means to you.

Praying with the Word:  Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, please help us to trust You to always search for us when we are lost. Help us to call out to You, and help us to follow Your voice when You call. Just as there is joy in finding a lost sheep, may we rejoice with You when the lost are found. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Byline:

Loreen Derry, MA   7-30-2023

This article is in the style of reading the Word, author commentary, reflections for journaling, and ending with praying from the Word.  My series: Walking with Jesus Along the Catholic Way has a number of books written in this style. Come along the journey with Jesus in this series.