Luke 15:1-10
1
All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. 2
The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3
Jesus told them this parable: 4
“Suppose someone among you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them. Wouldn’t he leave the other ninety-nine in the pasture and search for the lost one until he finds it? 5
And when he finds it, he is thrilled and places it on his shoulders. 6
When he arrives home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost sheep.’ 7
In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes both heart and life than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to change their hearts and lives. 8
“Or what woman, if she owns ten silver coins and loses one of them, won’t light a lamp and sweep the house, searching her home carefully until she finds it? 9
When she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost coin.’ 10
In the same way, I tell you, joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.”