Matthew 18:10-14 JESUS TELLS THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
The Parable of the Lost Sheep is also told in Luke 15:1-7. They are often considered two tellings of the same parable, but my chronological Bible separates them. Both tell of a shepherd leaving 99 sheep to find one lost sheep and God's joy over repentance.
Matthew |
Luke |
Jesus talking to Disciples |
Jesus talking to Pharisees and Scribes |
Care for wandering believer |
God’s pursuit of sinner; repentant sinner |
Who is the greatest and attitudes; God values individuals |
Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents in response to Pharisees complaining that Jesus welcomed sinners |
The stress is on protection and responsibility within the faith community. |
Divine joy and repentance |
Pastoral and discipleship focus; Leaders not to let any "little ones" perish |
Evangelism focus |
Lost sheep represent a believer who has strayed and needs to be cared for and restored |
The lost sheep represents a sinner who repents. |
Friends, neighbors, or a celebration are not mentioned.
|
He calls friends and neighbors to rejoice and celebrate |
In Matthew 18 three parables are grouped together as they are about how God’s people should treat one another when someone sins, strays, or causes harm. With care, because God values each person; With responsibility, because restoration matters; With forgiveness, because we ourselves have been forgiven. All three are the same setting in Capernaum of Jesus talking to Disciples. |
In Luke 15 three parables are grouped together as they are about God's love for the lost and joy in saving the lost. All three are Jesus talking to Pharisees and Scribes in one continuous teaching moment. |
"Jesus Tells the Parable of the Lost Sheep Matthew 18:10-35 includes three stories: The Parable of the Lost Sheep, If Your Brother Sins Against You, and The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. |
"The Parable of the Lost Sheep" in the whole chapter of Luke 15 includes: The Parable of the Lost Sheep, The Parable of the Lost Sheep, and The Parable of the Lost Sheep. |
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Matthew 18:15-20 IF YOUR BROTHER SINS AGAINST YOU
Matthew 18:21-35 THE PARABLE OF THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT