The Lost Sheep

Today we're going to learn about a beautiful parable that Jesus told about a lost sheep. A parable is a special story that teaches us something important about God's love. There was once a good shepherd who had one hundred sheep. Every day, he would count them to make sure they were all safe. One morning, when he counted his sheep, he discovered that one was missing! Ninety-nine sheep were there, but one little sheep had wandered away and was lost. Can anyone tell me what you think the shepherd should do? Should he stay with the ninety-nine sheep, or go look for the one that was lost? The good shepherd loved each of his sheep so much that he left the ninety-nine sheep in a safe place and went searching for the one lost sheep. He looked everywhere - behind rocks, in valleys, and through thick bushes. He called out for his little sheep. Finally, he heard a small, frightened bleating sound. There was his lost sheep, scared and alone! The shepherd was so happy! He gently picked up the little sheep, put it on his shoulders, and carried it home safely. When he got home, he called all his friends and neighbors and said, 'Come celebrate with me! I found my lost sheep!' What do you think this story teaches us about how God loves us? In our Maronite tradition, we understand that Jesus is like that good shepherd. Each one of us is precious to Him, just like that little sheep was precious to the shepherd. Even when we make mistakes or feel lost, Jesus will always search for us because He loves us so very much. God never gives up on us, no matter what!