-
PER202
Parable of the lost sheep
The parable of the lost sheep (Mt 18.10-14; Lk 15.3-7) is taught by Jesus at Capernaum in September AD 32, shortly before his final departure from Galilee. Matthew emphasizes the protection of the ‘little ones’ and the divine will not to lose any of them, whereas Luke stresses the heavenly joy over the repentant sinner. The figure of the shepherd points to the messianic mission of Jesus, the good shepherd who prepares his disciples for his absence by promising them a spiritual guide.
Matthew 18.10-14 (King James Version) :Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org