Luke 15:1-11

1 All the tax collectors and sinners came to listen to Jesus.

2 But the Pharisees and the scribes complained, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3 Jesus spoke to them using this illustration:

4 "Suppose a man has 100 sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the 99 sheep grazing in the pasture and look for the lost sheep until he finds it?

5 When he finds it, he's happy. He puts that sheep on his shoulders and

6 goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says to them, 'Let's celebrate! I've found my lost sheep!'

7 I can guarantee that there will be more happiness in heaven over one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts than over 99 people who already have turned to God and have his approval."

8 "Suppose a woman has ten coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house, and look for the coin carefully until she finds it?

9 When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Let's celebrate! I've found the coin that I lost.'

10 So I can guarantee that God's angels are happy about one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts."

11 Then Jesus said, "A man had two sons.