The concept of the lost sheep is a powerful theme in Scripture, illustrating God’s deep love and relentless pursuit of those who have gone astray. Through parables and teachings, the Bible reveals God’s desire to seek, save, and restore His people. Below are key themes that explore the significance of lost sheep in the Bible, along with supporting verses from the New Living Translation.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Sheep and Shepherds
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His role in caring for His flock. He seeks out the lost, protects them, and ensures that no one is beyond redemption. His love is unconditional, and He willingly lays down His life for His sheep.
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
John 10:14
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me.”
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”
Isaiah 40:11
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
Hebrews 13:20
“Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep—and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood.”
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
One of Jesus’ most well-known parables teaches about God’s joy in finding and restoring the lost. Just as a shepherd rejoices over a lost sheep that is found, heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and returns to God.
Luke 15:4
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?”
Luke 15:5
“And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.”
Luke 15:6
“When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’”
Matthew 18:12
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?”
Matthew 18:13
“And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!”
God’s Desire to Save the Lost
God’s heart is to seek and save those who are lost. He does not want anyone to perish but longs for all to return to Him. His grace and mercy are available to everyone, no matter how far they have strayed.
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Ezekiel 34:16
“I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak.”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent.”
Isaiah 53:6
“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.”
Matthew 9:36
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Repentance and Restoration
When a lost sheep returns to God, He welcomes them with open arms. True repentance leads to restoration, and God rejoices when sinners turn back to Him.
Acts 3:19
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
Hosea 14:4
“The Lord says, ‘Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.’”
James 5:20
“You can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.”
Luke 15:7
“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Jesus Love for Sinners
God’s Compassion for the Lost
God’s heart is full of compassion for those who have gone astray. He does not look at them with condemnation but with love and a desire to restore them. His kindness leads us to repentance, and His mercy is always available.
Micah 7:18
“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.”
Psalms 86:15
“But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”
Joel 2:13
“Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.”
Lamentations 3:22-23
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Hosea 11:4
“I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him.”
Jesus Calls Us to Follow Him
Jesus calls His lost sheep to follow Him. He invites everyone to walk in His footsteps, leave behind sin, and embrace a new life in Him. His call is an invitation to transformation and eternal life.
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’”
John 8:12
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”
Matthew 4:19
“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’”
John 10:27
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
1 Peter 2:21
“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
The Rejoicing in Heaven Over the Found
When a lost sheep returns to God, there is great celebration in heaven. The joy of restoration is central to the heart of God. Every person who repents and comes back to Him brings delight to His kingdom.
Luke 15:10
“In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Zephaniah 3:17
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Psalms 32:11
“So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!”
Isaiah 62:5
“Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem, just as a young man commits himself to his bride. Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.”
Revelation 19:7
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.”