Many
tax-collectors and sinners came to Jesus. They listened to him. This
irritated the scribes and pharisees. They complained: This man keeps company
with sinners! He even eats with them.
So
Jesus told them this parable: Imagine that someone has a hundred sheep. Now
if one of the sheep got lost, would he not leave the other ninety-nine
grazing and go searching for the lost one until he found it? And when he
found it, he would be overjoyed. He would carry it home on his shoulders.
Then he would say to his friends and neighbours: rejoice with me, for I have
found my lost sheep! And that is how it is with God in heaven, said Jesus. He
rejoices over every sinner who changes his life.