New Testament
Luke 15:6
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Then you'd go home and call your friends and neighbors together and say, 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost sheep!'
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And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
What Luke 15:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus illustrates the joy of finding something that was lost, using the metaphor of a shepherd who has found a lost sheep. When the shepherd returns home, he gathers his friends and neighbors to celebrate this happy occasion. This reflects the importance of community and shared joy in moments of recovery and redemption. The shepherd's actions symbolize God's love and the joy He experiences when a sinner repents and returns to Him. The act of calling friends and neighbors to rejoice together emphasizes that such moments of joy are meant to be shared, highlighting the communal aspect of faith and celebration. This verse encourages believers to recognize the value of every individual and the joy that comes from restoration, both in personal relationships and in the broader community of faith.
How to apply Luke 15:6 to your life
When we experience personal victories or help others find their way back to faith, we should celebrate together. Sharing these moments with friends and family strengthens our bonds and encourages a supportive community. Remember to rejoice in the small victories as well as the big ones.
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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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 15:6
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Key themes
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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 15:6 mean?
Luke 15:6 illustrates the joy of finding something lost, using the metaphor of a shepherd who celebrates with friends and neighbors after recovering his lost sheep. This reflects the joy in community and the importance of shared happiness in moments of recovery.
What is the significance of celebrating in Luke 15:6?
Celebrating in Luke 15:6 highlights the communal aspect of joy and recovery. It shows that moments of personal victory, like finding a lost sheep, are meant to be shared with others, reinforcing community bonds.
What does the lost sheep represent in Luke 15:6?
In Luke 15:6, the lost sheep represents individuals who have strayed away from faith or goodness. The shepherd's joy in finding the sheep symbolizes God's love and joy when a sinner repents and returns.
How does Luke 15:6 relate to God's love?
Luke 15:6 relates to God's love by illustrating His joy when someone who was lost is found. The shepherd's celebration reflects God's desire for restoration and the value He places on every individual.
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