Parable of the Lost Sheep facts for kids
The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a famous story told by Jesus. It teaches us about how much God cares for every single person. This story is found in the Bible, in the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 18, verses 12–14) and the Gospel of Luke (chapter 15, verses 3–7). It also appears in an older book called the Gospel of Thomas.
This parable is one of three stories Jesus told about losing something important and then finding it again. The other two are the Parable of the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son. The Parable of the Lost Sheep tells about a shepherd who has 100 sheep. When one sheep gets lost, the shepherd leaves the 99 safe sheep to go search for the one that is missing.
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What the Parable Teaches
The main idea of the Parable of the Lost Sheep is that God deeply cares for everyone, especially those who might feel lost or have gone astray. Just like the shepherd searches for the one lost sheep, God actively seeks out and welcomes back anyone who has strayed from His path.
The Shepherd's Joy
When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he is filled with great joy. He doesn't scold the sheep. Instead, he gently carries it back to the flock. This part of the story shows how happy God is when someone who was lost returns to Him. It teaches us that God celebrates when people turn back to Him.
God's Love for Everyone
This parable highlights God's endless love and mercy. It shows that every single person is valuable to God. Even if there are many people following God, He still cares deeply about the one who is not. This means that no one is too small or too unimportant for God to care about.
Where the Story is Found
The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a key teaching of Jesus. It is recorded in two of the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible.
In the Gospel of Matthew
In the Gospel of Matthew, the parable is told in chapter 18, verses 12-14. Here, Jesus uses the story to talk about how God does not want even one of "these little ones" to be lost. This can mean children, or it can mean those who are humble and believe in Him.
In the Gospel of Luke
In the Gospel of Luke, the parable is found in chapter 15, verses 3-7. In Luke's Gospel, this parable is part of a group of stories Jesus tells to explain why He spends time with sinners and tax collectors. He is showing that God welcomes everyone, even those society might look down upon.
Art and the Parable
The Parable of the Lost Sheep has been a popular subject for artists throughout history. Many paintings, sculptures, and stained-glass windows show the shepherd carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders. These artworks help people visualize the story and its message of care and redemption.
Images for kids
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Parable of the Lost Sheep (right) in St Mary's Cathedral, Kilkenny, Ireland
