Matthew 18:10-14 - The Parable Of The Lost Sheep

¹⁰ See that ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto you, That their angels in heaven continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. ¹¹ For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. ¹² What think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them stray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and seek that which had strayed? ¹³ And if he happen to find it, verily I say unto you, that he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which never went astray. ¹⁴ Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones perish.

¹ THEN drew nigh unto him all the tax-farmers and the sinners to hear him. ² And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man entertains sinners, and eateth with them.

³ Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, ⁴ What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? ⁵ and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶ And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. ⁷ I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance.