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the Ninety-Nine?
Similarly, multiple references are found concerning the shepherd. And if we
are sheep, God Himself is the Shepherd. But not just any shepherd — the
good shepherd, the great shepherd, and the chief shepherd, who is not
reckless in His searching for us.
Amy Swanson Christianity.com Contributing Writer
There are two places in the Bible that tell of a loving shepherd who leaves his
99 sheep in search of one that is lost — Matthew 18:12 and Luke 15:4. It’s
from these verses and their passages that we understand it is Jesus who leaves
the 99.
This is because He often used short relatable stories to share deeper spiritual
insights about Himself, His Father, and His Kingdom. The lost sheep
parables are no different and, indeed, point to some considerable truths, both
here on earth and even in Heaven.
To better understand these truths, we’ll need to take a closer look at the
nature of parables and what is implied by the stories of the lost sheep.
In Luke 15, the lost sheep parable is given in response to the disapproving
comments of religious leaders. This time, He addresses their judgmental
attitudes toward the “unrighteous” liars and cheaters in the crowd.
Particularly concerning the heart of God and human attitudes toward the lost
sinner (Luke 15:7) and wayward believer (Matthew 18:6; Matthew 18:14).
Those to which the portrayed shepherd was seeking, in the form of lowly
sheep.
A theme that is repeated all throughout the Bible (Matthew 10:6; Mark 14:27;
Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 50:6) and used again in both parables, among other
places.
At the same time, there has been given to the body of Christ human
shepherds, in the form of pastors (Acts 20:8). Those who are to shepherd and
disciple the flock as God would do (1 Peter 5:2).
Therefore, these parables combined speak to the complete body of Christ. To
the sheep who are already in the fold, and to the sheep who are yet to come.
Both to the lost sinner, and again to the found saint.
In Luke, the 99 can be seen as those who adhered to the law given by God, as
the Pharisees He was speaking to would have claimed to do. Jesus calls them
the “ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).
Of course, this was just an illustration of their self-righteousness (Mark
7:6-7).
Still, with such differences between the two parables, there are many mutual
points to be made.
The implication here is that the 99 are not left to their own devices but are
securely in His hand (John 10:29). For their Father is not reckless in His
searching (John 6:39). Because God is everywhere and sees all things
(Jeremiah 23:24; Proverbs 15:3). He is faithful to protect (Proverbs 18:10; 2
Thessalonians 3:3), while also providing the flock with heavenly help (Psalm
34:7; Hebrews 1:14).