New Testament
Luke 15:4
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Suppose one of you has 100 sheep and loses one of them. Wouldn't you leave the 99 in the wilderness and go searching for the lost one until you find it?
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What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
What Luke 15:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses a simple yet powerful analogy to illustrate God's love for each individual. He asks us to imagine a shepherd who has 100 sheep but loses one. Instead of staying with the 99, the shepherd prioritizes the lost sheep, demonstrating the lengths he will go to ensure its safety. This reflects God's relentless pursuit of those who stray away from Him. The shepherd's actions highlight the value of every single person in God's eyes, emphasizing that no one is insignificant. The imagery of leaving the 99 in the wilderness signifies the urgency and importance of seeking out the lost, showing that God's love is personal and inclusive. This parable reassures us that God cares deeply for each of us, and He actively seeks to restore our relationship with Him, no matter how far we may wander.
How to apply Luke 15:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we value others in our lives. Just as the shepherd seeks the lost sheep, we should reach out to those who may feel lost or abandoned. It reminds us to show compassion and actively help those in need.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 15:4
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Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 15:4 mean?
Luke 15:4 illustrates God's love for individuals by comparing it to a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find one that is lost. This shows the importance of every person to God and His willingness to seek out those who stray.
What is the meaning of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4?
The lost sheep in Luke 15:4 represents individuals who have wandered away from God. The shepherd's search for the lost sheep symbolizes God's relentless pursuit to bring back those who are lost and restore their relationship with Him.
How does Luke 15:4 relate to God's love?
Luke 15:4 demonstrates God's love by showing that He cares deeply for each person, just as a shepherd cares for every sheep. It highlights that no one is insignificant and that God actively seeks to restore those who have strayed.
What can we learn from Luke 15:4?
From Luke 15:4, we learn the importance of compassion and reaching out to those who may feel lost. It encourages us to value others and take action to help those in need, reflecting the love and care that God shows for each individual.
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