Lost Sheep

All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to Him. And the Pharisee's and scribes were complaining, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!"

So then He told them this parable:" What man amoung you, who has 100 sheep and loses one of them, does not go out after the lost one until he finds it? When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbours together, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!' I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need to repent." Luke 15:1-7

Religious people don't like sinners, they have a false sense of their own righteousness, often they are self-righteous, which is sad because this stands in the way of them receiving the love of God that is experienced in repentance.

I rejoice that the sinners were attracted to Jesus, this shows how approachable He was and still is. Sinners are welcome and considered lost sheep, not filthy infidels. It is man that puts out such labels.

It is also interesting that the parable Jesus told reveals something of how the shepherds regarded their sheep. Lost sheep were important. I follow farmers from northern Australia on Facebook and am able to see how much they care for their animals. I remember one farmers distress in the death of his animals in the drought. I am glad he could put it out there on Facebook, farmers usually have no one to comfort them, as in a community, and now they have that, through Facebook. I felt priveledged that I, a townie, could reach out and comfort him as well. The farmers are truely grateful when city folk recognise their plight and reach out to them.

Living in the country I relate to Jesus' parable. He relays how important all the flock is, even the lost. He does not segregate, we do. Be mindful of the lost! Amen!