Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

The loving mercy of God is openly seen in the parables of the hundredth sheep and of the son that was lost.

15 Then all the publicans and sinners sought him out, in order to hear him. ² And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, He receives sinners into his company, and eats with them. ³ Then Jesus put forth this similitude to them, saying, ⁴ What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the countryside and go after the one that is lost until he finds him? ⁵ And when he has found him, he puts him on his shoulders with joy. ⁶ And as soon as he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost! ⁷ I say to you that likewise there will be joy in heaven over one sinner that repents more than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.