Chapter 1: God Loves Us
Based on Luke 15:4-6

Scripture Background

Jesus told three parables about being lost. The Lost Sheep is one of these parables. In this parable, Jesus compares God to a shepherd. He compares a sinner to a lost sheep. Jesus explains that the shepherd rejoices when he finds his lost sheep. Likewise, God rejoices every time we ask for forgiveness and change our ways.

In those days, a shepherd's job was to lead the flock to fresh pasture and water. Shepherds also protected their sheep from wild animals and from getting lost. A good shepherd was devoted to his sheep and cared for them.


A shepherd had one hundred sheep. One day the shepherd discovered that one of his sheep was missing. Immediately the shepherd went looking for the one lost sheep.

Soon the shepherd found his lost sheep. The shepherd's heart was filled with joy. He picked up the sheep, put it on his shoulders, and carried it back to the other sheep.

The shepherd was very happy. He shouted to his friends and neighbors, "I have found my lost sheep!"

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"I have found my lost sheep."
Based on Luke 15:6


Look for More in the Bible

Read another story about the Lost Sheep.
Matthew 18:10-14

Read more about the sheep and their good shepherd in the following:
Psalm 23
John 10:1-16