Who are the Lost Sheep in the Parable of the Lost Sheep?
A careful analysis of the three versions we have of the Parable of the Lost Sheep reveals that Christ does not consider the lost sheep to be inactive members that need to be found and brought back to the fold. On the contrary, the lost sheep represent something entirely different.
There are three extant versions of the parable of the lost sheep (five if you count the Joseph Smith Translation, but his translation is identical to the King James version so we won’t count them). Below are the three versions. Take note that each of them introduces a different background to the parable, and each brings different elements into the story.
Mathew 18:11-13
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Gospel of Thomas (107):
The kingdom is like a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. One of them, the largest, went astray. He left the ninety-nine and looked for that one until he found it. When he had gone to such trouble, he said to the sheep, ‘I care for you more than the ninety-nine.’
Luke 15:2-7
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 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? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
And verse 10: “likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
In the first version by Mathew, it would seem that Jesus is telling this story to bring attention to the fact that the good shepherd will go to extraordinary measures to seek out one lost sheep to bring it back to the righteous fold. But by a careful examination of the context and comparing with other teachings of Jesus we can tease out a deeper meaning. In previous verses of Chapter 11, Jesus teaches the disciples how precious souls are, and equates precious souls to little children. In verse 11, Christ says, “For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost.” He has not come to save those that are “righteous” because they do not think they are sinners. Joseph Smith has Jesus adding in the JST New Testament: “For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost, and to call sinners to repentance; but these little ones have no need of repentance, and I will save them.” Little children have no need of repentance, but sinners, in order to become as little children and be saved, must repent. A sheep must leave the “righteous” flock in order to repent and become as a little child. It is those souls that are so valuable to the Savior that He rejoices more in that sheep than in the other ninety-nine that went not astray, or were so righteous they didn’t think they needed repentance.
In the Gospel of Thomas, it is the largest sheep that is lost. The shepherd goes after the most important of his flock—a sinner seeking repentance. The Shepherd actually tells the sheep that he loves him/her more than the others. A reading of the Gospel of Thomas, which scholars believe is one of the very earliest accounts containing the words of Christ written in the 1st century, reveals that the writer believes very few will gain the kingdom of heaven. This is because worldly desires and culture so obscure the path that only the most dedicated and honest seeker of truth will find it. Perhaps only one in ninety-nine who profess to be the Lord’s will actually attain the kingdom of heaven.
I will choose you, one out of a thousand, and two out of ten thousand, and they shall stand as a single one. (The Gospel of Thomas (23))
Many are standing at the door, but it is the solitary who will enter the bridal chamber. (75)
In Luke’s version of the parable he supports this interpretation of the story. Christ is talking to the Pharisees instead of the disciples. The ninety-nine sheep are a flock of self-righteous sheep who are justified. The good shepherd leaves this flock of sheep, who by their own standard are justified and need no saving. He goes to extraordinary measures to fine the one sheep who knows that he is lost and has left the flock seeking repentance. He finds that one sheep and rejoices over its being found.
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:3)
Who are the lost sheep? From a deeper reading of Luke’s version, it becomes apparent that the lost sheep are actually more righteous in God’s eyes than the ninety – nine. The Lord, as the shepherd, will expend a lot of effort and time in finding those who are becoming as little children because of their repentance. They recognize they are sinners and are becoming qualified to be lifted on to the Savior’s shoulders and carried home to be rejoiced over. The Ninety-nine are justified that they are righteous, and not in need of correction. Perhaps there is a leader telling them that because they have performed some ordinances and keep the commandments they have nothing to worry about. Perhaps they are being told not to worry, “all is well”. A few honest truth-seeking sheep will recognize the peril of staying with the flock and leave to search for truth and righteousness. When the good shepherd finds him, he is diligently seeking for light.
If you have ever watched a group of sheep, you will notice that when they are stressed or sense danger they will bunch up into as tight a group as they can. Very rarely will you find a sheep all alone. People are very much like sheep. We tend to follow the crowd because we feel safe, but the Lord wants us to think and act on our own. Instead, we tend to do what other people do or tell us what to do. This is probably not just out of trying to fit in or conform, but we feel safer following what we consider a wiser majority intelligence.
The lost sheep are saved because they hear the good shepherd call to them. (Alma 5:37-38; John 21:16) The others are lost because they think they are righteous and do not seek to hear the Master’s voice. They do not seek because they have been told they are already righteous. And besides, as sheep, it is safer to be in the midst of the flock, isn’t it?