Parables Of Jesus Christ: Seeking The Lost
by Wayne Blank

See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

The self-righteous, hypocritical Pharisees and Scribes often criticized the Saviour for associating with "sinners" (they even blasphemously accused the Saviour Himself of being a sinner - see the Fact Finder question below).

"15:1 Then drew near unto him all the Publicans and sinners for to hear him. 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." (Luke 15:1-2 KJV)
"Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth"

In reply to the Pharisees and scribes, the Messiah's parable of seeking the lost:

Seeking The Lost
"15:3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 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?
15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

15:6 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.

15:7 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." (Luke 15:3-7 KJV)

The "which need no repentance" (as it is translated from the actual Greek) in verse 7 above refers to those who have begun to repent (see Growing In The Grace And Knowledge) and therefore don't need to start something that they already have. It does not mean that there are some who don't have anything to repent of - the Messiah was the only human that has ever lived that needed no repentance, "3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV).

The parable continued with another example:

"15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:8-10 KJV)

Fact Finder: Why did some of the religious authorities accuse the Son of God of being a "sinner"?
See Did Jesus Break The Law?