Luke 15:1-9

1 By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently.

2 The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends."

3 Their grumbling triggered this story.

4 "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it?

5 When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing,

6 and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!'

7 Count on it - there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.

8 "Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it?

9 And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!'