Luke 15:1-10

Occasions for celebration

1 All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him.

2 The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3 Jesus told them this parable:

4 “Suppose someone among you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them. Wouldn't he leave the other ninety-nine in the pasture and search for the lost one until he finds it?

5 And when he finds it, he is thrilled and places it on his shoulders.

6 When he arrives home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Celebrate with me because I've found my lost sheep.'

7 In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes both heart and life than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to change their hearts and lives.

8 " Or what woman, if she owns ten silver coins and loses one of them, won't light a lamp and sweep the house, searching her home carefully until she finds it?

9 When she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me because I've found my lost coin.'

10 In the same way, I tell you, joy breaks out in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life."