The Little Sheep That Was Lost

People gathered around Jesus to listen. Some thought certain people should not come near him. But Jesus knew how precious every person was.

He told a story about a shepherd with one hundred sheep.

The shepherd led them to grass and water. He knew his sheep and cared for them. At the end of the day, he gathered them and began to count.

One, two, three… One little sheep was missing!

He did not say, “I still have plenty. One less does not matter.” That sheep belonged to him too, and he loved it.

He left the others in the open country and went to look for the lost one.

The shepherd walked among the hills. He looked behind rocks and along the paths. He listened carefully for a little bleat.

Perhaps the sheep was tired. Perhaps it did not know the way home. The shepherd kept searching until he found it.

There it was!

He lifted it onto his shoulders.

Now the little sheep could rest while its shepherd carried it home.

When he arrived, he called his friends and neighbors to share his joy. His lost sheep had been found!

Jesus explained that heaven rejoices when someone turns back to God.

You are more than a number in a crowd. God knows you and loves you.

If you have done something wrong, you can tell him and ask for help to change. His love does not run out because you need help.

We can notice someone who feels left out and invite them to join us. Every person matters to God.

Jesus tells us a story, and his love stays with us.