1
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to him to hear him.
2
The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them."
3
He told them this parable.
4
"Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it?
5
When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6
When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'
7
I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
8
Or what woman, if she had ten drachma coins, if she lost one drachma, wouldn't light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she found it?
9
When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost.'
10
Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting."