09/09/2026
The sheep of God represents his people who believe and follow him and his son Jesus Christ. Both God and Christ, and men and women are described as shepherds in scripture. And shepherds are referred to as pastors.
Luke 15: 1-2 (KJV)
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
Luke 15: 3-7 (KJV)
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 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? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
In the parable of the lost sheep, the man represents Jesus Christ.
The hundred sheep represent the people of God who believe and follow him.
The lost sheep represents one of his people who went astray, became lost in sin, was found, and called by Christ to repentance. He repented of his sin, and returned to God.
The friends and neighbors represent angels in heaven, who rejoice more over one sinner that repents than ninety-nine just people who need no repentance.