Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin
In response to criticism for eating with sinners, Jesus tells the parables of a shepherd seeking one lost sheep and a woman searching for one lost coin, illustrating heaven's joy over one sinner who repents.
Parallel Accounts
Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
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Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
Explore Further
Matthew includes only the lost sheep parable, in a different context (the community discourse about not despising "little ones"). Luke pairs it with the lost coin and the prodigal son, creating a trilogy of "lost and found" parables aimed at Pharisees who grumble about Jesus eating with sinners. Luke's framing is more confrontational.
The lost sheep parable is about pastoral care within the community, asking "What do you think?"
Part of a trilogy (lost sheep, lost coin, prodigal son) directed at Pharisees and scribes who criticize Jesus's table fellowship with sinners.
The journey toward Jerusalem, the Perean ministry, later Judean visits, and the raising of Lazarus.
All pericopes