Jesus taught people with parables. A parable is a story that teaches a lesson. These stories included examples from everyday life that offered clues that helped the listener understand what Jesus was teaching.

In this parable from the gospel of Luke, Jesus compares a sinner to a lost sheep. The shepherd rejoices when he finds his lost sheep.

The Straying Sheep
Luke 15:3-7

Jesus told them this parable:

A shepherd has a hundred sheep. When he notices that one is missing, he leaves the ninety-nine behind and goes in search of the one that is lost. He searches for the lost sheep until he finds it.

When he finds the sheep, he hoists it onto his shoulders and rejoices. When he gets home, he gathers his neighbors and says to them, “Rejoice with me! I have found my sheep that was lost.”

I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 4, chapter 9

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
Grade 4, chapter 9