Read Luke 15:1-7

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

Reflect

In what way is Jesus' parable here a response to what the religious leaders were whispering about him? In the parable, who do the 99 sheep represent? How?

Respond

As followers of Christ, our job is not always to hang out with our fellow believers. We're also called to spend time with "sinners" as Jesus did. Not only do we all have things to teach each other, but also we Christians can — humbly and graciously — show them the light of Christ in our deeds and words.