The good shepherd’s pursuit: lessons from the lost sheep

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15 verses 3–7, Jesus tells the well-known Parable of the Lost Sheep—a story simple in form but profound in meaning. It begins with a shepherd who has a flock of one hundred sheep. When one wanders off, he leaves the ninety-nine behind to actively search until he finds the one that is lost. When he does, he lifts it onto his shoulders, rejoices, and brings it home.

At first glance, it is natural to ask: why would sheep wander in the first place? Sheep are known to be easily distracted. Their vision focuses only on what is directly before them. A patch of greener grass, a moving shadow, or even the comfort of following another sheep can lure them away. Without realizing it, they stray from safety, leaving themselves vulnerable to rocky cliffs, entangling brush, or lurking predators.

The shepherd, however, refuses to write off the loss. His response is not passive. He does not wait for the sheep to stumble back on its own. Instead, he climbs the rugged terrain, braves the wilderness, and listens intently for any faint cry. His search is deliberate, his commitment unwavering. The joy at recovery is so overwhelming that it is shared with friends and neighbors.

Jesus explains that this parable is not only about sheep but about us. Humanity, like sheep, has a tendency to wander— pulled away by distractions, temptations, or misguided pursuits. Just as sheep fail to grasp the danger of isolation, people often fail to see how straying from God leads to emptiness, hurt, and vulnerability.

Yet the heart of the story is not about the wandering but about the relentless love of the Shepherd. Jesus portrays Himself as the one who actively seeks the lost. He does not wait for us to crawl back to Him in our brokenness. He comes to where we are—into our wilderness of mistakes, doubts, or despair. His pursuit is personal. Just as the shepherd rejoices over one sheep restored, heaven rejoices over one sinner who turns back to God.

The contrast is striking: sheep wander without intent, but the Shepherd searches with purpose. Sheep may not know how to return, but the Shepherd knows the way home. The parable makes it clear—our value to God is so great that He refuses to leave us behind.

In a world where people often feel overlooked or forgotten, the Parable of the Lost Sheep offers enduring hope. It reminds us that Jesus’ mission is not about numbers but about hearts. Every single soul matters. And when the Shepherd finds His lost one, the celebration resounds both on earth and in heaven.

Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Thompson is pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Okatie.