The Good Shepherd Seeks the Utterly Lost

Through parables of a lost sheep and a lost coin, Jesus defends His ministry to tax collectors and sinners against the Pharisees' complaints. Like a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one lost sheep, or a woman who searches diligently for one lost coin, God actively seeks those who are utterly lost. Heaven rejoices more over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who think they need no repentance.