The Lost Sheep

Some religious leaders were complaining about Jesus. 'Why does He hang out with BAD people?'

Jesus answered with a story:

Imagine you're a shepherd with 100 fluffy sheep. You count them: 1, 2, 3... all the way to 99. Wait—99?! One sheep is MISSING!

What would you do? Leave the lost sheep alone? Say, 'Oh well, I still have 99'?

NO WAY! You would leave those 99 sheep and go SEARCHING! Over hills, through valleys, calling out. You wouldn't give up until you found that one lost sheep.

And when you finally find it—stuck in some bushes, scared and tired—you wouldn't yell at it. You'd pick it up, put it on your shoulders, and carry it home!

Then you'd call all your friends: 'Come celebrate with me! I found my lost sheep!'

Jesus said, 'Heaven is like that! When ONE person turns away from sin and comes to God, all the angels celebrate! There's more joy over that one person than over 99 who didn't wander away.'

YOU matter that much to God! If you feel lost, He's looking for you right now. He won't give up. And when you come back to Him, heaven throws a party!