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The prophet Ezekiel pictured Yahweh as a shepherd caring for Israel, his scattered flock: For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep… . I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak. (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 16)
Drawing on this biblical tradition, Jesus used the image of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep to describe God’s love for those who have strayed. No one listening to this parable would have found it difficult to identify the straying sheep—they were the very people with whom Jesus was associating.
This wasn’t the only time Jesus countered criticism from the Pharisees for embracing sinners and outcasts. On one occasion, Jesus told them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners” (Mark 2:15-17). Certainly the Pharisees must have been shocked by Jesus’ portrayal of a God who welcomed “sinners” before them: “I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you” (Matthew 21:31-32). How startling it must have been to them when Jesus declared that it was his mission “to seek out and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10)!
In this parable of the lost sheep, Jesus underscored the immense value God places on each individual. Only one sheep was lost out of a flock of one hundred. From a practical standpoint, the shepherd may have been wise to “cut his losses” by staying with the ninety-nine. Yet, he diligently seeks out his wayward sheep. Rather than being irritated or angry, the shepherd shows special care for the weak, the lost, and the broken. Each sheep is dear to him simply because it belongs to him, and the loss of even one in a hundred grieves him. The security and well-being of the whole flock is assured by the shepherd’s willingness to look for any wandering sheep.
The shepherd doesn’t give up his search until he finds the stray that he knows cannot find its way back to the flock without his help. Then he lifts the sheep to his shoulders—an endearing image of closeness and affection—and carries it safely home. The fact is that no one is excluded from God’s search. No one is beyond the reaches of his love and mercy. The lost is found, the straying safe again, the sinner saved. Indeed, Jesus himself is the shepherd who cares for us and restores us to friendship with God (John 10:11-18).
This parable reveals the heart of God toward every one of his “lost sheep.” And who among us is not lost in some way? Even when we have been “found,” how difficult it often is to imagine that God is rejoicing over us. And yet, as Jesus tells the story, the shepherd invited his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him because the sheep that had gone astray was restored to his flock. “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost” (Luke 15:6). With these words, God rejoices with his heavenly court over every repentant sinner he has called back to himself!
Purchase “Treasures Uncovered” and continue reflecting on Jesus’ parables.
Praise God for His tender, compassionate mercy! :-)
Nothing can compare to being the found sheep. It’s like one was dead and then one lives again. It’s overwhelming to the point of tears, tears of joy that is.
I was blessed to experience being found a few years ago when I returned to the sacrament of reconciliation after more then 25 years. I will never forget that evening during Lent. As I stood in line I made several attempts to turn and walk away but the Holy Spirit would not let me leave. Never before or since have I experienced the loving forgiveness of Jesus more profoundly then that night.As ti turned out it was the beginning of a whole new life for me in that Jesus truly has become first in my life once again.
Anyone who has been away for a while please come to the sacrament and receive the overwhelming love and forgiveness that Jesus wants to give you. You will experience deepest love one can have and you will be free to love others with all the new love you find there.