“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine not in a barren desert, but in the wild pastures, highlighting that even while tending the many, his heart is fixated on the single lost sheep. This underscores an incredible divine focus, where the immense value of one individual soul can command the shepherd's complete attention and relentless pursuit.
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus tells this parable in response to the grumbling Pharisees and scribes who are upset that he welcomes and eats with sinners. He’s explaining, through the story of a shepherd, why he’s so focused on seeking out those who are lost and wandering. This particular story highlights the shepherd's passionate pursuit of even one stray sheep.
Imagine leaving behind 99% of what you have to chase down just one thing. What does that tell us about what truly matters?
In this parable, the shepherd's actions highlight an incredible focus on the lost.
An Unconventional Priority
Jesus asks, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine... and go after the one that is lost?" This isn't a practical business decision; it's a profound statement about value.
The Wilderness Setting
The sheep are in the "wilderness" – not a barren desert, but uncultivated plains or pasturage. This means the shepherd isn't leaving his flock in immediate danger, but in a place where they are still being cared for, yet he still chooses to leave them for the sake of the one.
Divine Solicitousness
This imagery reveals God's deep concern for each individual. He doesn't see us as just one in a massive flock, but as uniquely precious, worth His dedicated pursuit.
This isn't a casual 'look around.' The shepherd's search is determined, unwavering. What does this tell us about God's commitment to finding us?
The parable emphasizes not just the act of searching, but the duration and determination of the search.
'Until He Finds It'
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The phrase "until he finds it" is key. It implies no giving up, no matter how long it takes or how difficult the terrain.
God's Relentless Grace
This mirrors God's relentless grace towards us. He doesn't give up on us when we stray. His pursuit is persistent, driven by love and a desire for our restoration.
Following the Shepherd's Example
This also serves as a model for how we should treat others, especially those who have wandered from faith. We are called to pursue them with the same unwavering love and patience.
Understand the original words
apolesas · Greek Adjective/Participle
Describes one who has wandered away or is separated from its rightful place, owner, or community; used metaphorically for those spiritually separated from God.
This parable emerged directly from Jesus' interactions with religious elites who were scandalized by His association with 'sinners.' It reveals that Jesus' outreach wasn't random; it was a deliberate mission, mirroring God's own passionate search for those who have strayed.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Encounters Tax Collectors and Sinners
Jesus was dining with tax collectors and sinners, prompting criticism from the Pharisees and scribes.
c. 30 AD
Parables of Lost Items
In response to the criticism, Jesus tells the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son to explain His mission and God's heart for the lost.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus continued His ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, often drawing crowds of common people while facing opposition from religious leaders.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus entered Jerusalem to widespread acclamation, fulfilling prophecy and asserting His messianic claims.
c. 33 AD
The Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus was crucified and rose again on the third day, offering salvation to all who believe.
c. 33 AD onwards
The Early Church Spreads the Gospel
The apostles and early followers of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preached the message of repentance and forgiveness, bringing many 'sinners' into the fold.
This passage describes God as the ultimate shepherd actively searching for His lost sheep, mirroring Jesus' intention in Luke 15:4 to show God's deep concern for individuals.
Matthew 18:12-14This parallel account in Matthew uses the same imagery of a lost sheep to emphasize the value of even one 'little one' in God's eyes and the shepherd's relentless pursuit.
1 Peter 2:25This verse refers to believers as 'sheep who were straying,' directly connecting to the state of those Jesus came to seek and save, as illustrated by the lost sheep parable.
Luke 19:10This verse succinctly states Jesus' mission as coming 'to seek and to save that which was lost,' providing the theological explanation for the shepherd's actions described in the parable.
barnesLuke 15:4: "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"
See the notes at Matthew 18:12-13 .
vincentLuke 15:4: "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"
In the wildernessNot a desert place, but uncultivated plains; pasturage. Note that the sheep are being pastured in the wilderness. A traveller, cited anonymously by Trench, says: "There are, indeed, some accursed patches, where scores of miles lie before you like a tawny Atlantic, one yellow wave rising before ano…
The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine not in a barren desert, but in the wild pastures, highlighting that even while tending the many, his heart is fixated on the single lost sheep. This underscores an incredible divine focus, where the immense value of one individual soul can command the shepherd's complete attention and relentless pursuit.
Jesus tells this parable in response to the grumbling Pharisees and scribes who are upset that he welcomes and eats with sinners. He’s explaining, through the story of a shepherd, why he’s so focused on seeking out those who are lost and wandering. This particular story highlights the shepherd's passionate pursuit of even one stray sheep.
Jesus tells this parable in response to the grumbling Pharisees and scribes who are upset that he welcomes and eats with sinners. He’s explaining, through the story of a shepherd, why he’s so focused on seeking out those who are lost and wandering. This particular story highlights the shepherd's passionate pursuit of even one stray sheep.
"“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" — The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine not in a barren desert, but in the wild pastures, highlighting that even while tending the many, his heart is fixated on the single lost sheep. This underscores an…
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Last reviewed October 2026