Would You Risk 99 for the Sake of 1? Jesus Would.

Today's Gospel includes one of the parables that I always find hard to understand in how we value things today.  Luke says that when questioned about eating with sinners Jesus says, "What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?"

Whenever I hear this question I always find myself thinking I don't understand how it makes sense to risk 99 of anything to try to save one.

But not all sheep are equal.  Jesus says "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."

And that's what I need to remember, Jesus spent time with sinners because their value in becoming part of his flock is more important than someone already faithful to God.  Getting someone to realize their faith and to get on the path to Heaven is worth celebrating.

And its up to us, hopefully part of the flock of 99 righteous sheep give the time and effort to bring back the lost sheep out there.  Spread the Word of God to family and friends who may have wondered off.  That's what Jesus would do.