Free printable Bible coloring page

Jesus Asks the Shepherd Question

Luke 15:1-7

The Big Idea

Jesus teaches that the lost matter. When one person turns back to God, there is great joy.

Print

The Bible Story

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

In Luke 15:1–7, people come near to hear Jesus. Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who has one hundred sheep and discovers that one is missing. He leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness and goes after the lost sheep until he finds it. Jesus asks who would not do this. The question helps listeners think about the shepherd’s care and determination. Jesus then explains that the shepherd rejoices when the sheep is found and invites friends and neighbors to rejoice too. He connects this joy with repentance, teaching that heaven rejoices over one sinner who turns back to God. The ninety-nine are not described as unloved or unimportant; Jesus’ point is the special joy over the one who was lost and is now found.

Bible moment

The Bible moment

In Luke 15:1–7, people come near to hear Jesus. Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who has one hundred sheep and discovers that one is missing. He leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness and goes after the lost sheep until he finds it. Jesus asks who would not do this. The question helps listeners think about the shepherd’s care and determination. Jesus then explains that the shepherd rejoices when the sheep is found and invites friends and neighbors to rejoice too. He connects this joy with repentance, teaching that heaven rejoices over one sinner who turns back to God. The ninety-nine are not described as unloved or unimportant; Jesus’ point is the special joy over the one who was lost and is now found.

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus speaks to people gathered around Him and asks which person with one hundred sheep would not search for the one that is lost. A simple visual inset or nearby illustration may show the shepherd, the ninety-nine sheep, and the one missing sheep.

Talk together

Talk about it

  • Why would the shepherd search for the one lost sheep?
  • How might people feel when the lost sheep is found?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page before reading Luke 15:1–7 aloud. Invite children to notice the ninety-nine sheep, the one missing sheep, and Jesus’ question. Keep discussion focused on caring for those who are lost and the joy of repentance, without adding details not given in the passage.

Source note

From this passage

Luke 15:3-4 · Lost Sheep

Jesus speaks to people gathered around Him and asks which person with one hundred sheep would not search for the one that is lost. A simple visual inset or nearby illustration may show the shepherd, the ninety-nine sheep, and the one missing sheep.

Continue the Story

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Kingdom Coloring library

Search the whole kingdom

Gathering suggestions…