In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus illustrates the value of every individual through the Parable of the Lost Sheep. He describes a shepherd who, upon noticing one of His hundred sheep has gone astray, leaves the ninety-nine to search for the lost one. When He finds it, He rejoices more over that single sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not wander. So it is with God; He takes great joy in the recovery of even one who has strayed from His truth and returns to His way of life. This parable emphasizes that no one is insignificant to Him, and His desire is for all to be saved according to His joyful plan.

Jesus spoke the Parable of the Lost Sheep, as part of a larger discourse in Luke 15, to address the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees who faulted Him for receiving sinners and eating with them. This illustration, flowing seamlessly with the stories of the Lost Coin and the Lost Son, emphasizes His mission as the Son of Man to seek and save the lost. The concern over a lost sheep and the joy at its recovery highlight the value of every lost soul, showing that even one sheep is worth saving. In this parable, Jesus illustrates divine grace toward sinners who desire to change, portraying Himself as the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost sheep. Unlike a similar illustration in Matthew 18:12-14 which focuses on God's care for the least, in Luke 15:1-7, He magnifies the effort to recover and save those who have strayed. The lost sheep represents the foolish wanderer who, out of curiosity, strays from the shepherd, yet remains in need of guidance and care to return to safety. There is more joy over the repenting sinner than over the loyal and faithful righteous, as depicted in Luke 15:5-7. Just people, who have not committed gross sins, need no repentance in comparison to flagrant sinners. While no one is completely just, the immediate joy over a sinner who repents and follows Christ surpasses the joy for those already within God's flock, who already experience intimate happiness and eternal joy. For the one who strayed, upon genuine repentance, there is hope of salvation, and the Shepherd's love and care remain evident for all.