Parable of the Lost Sheep

1Then drew near unto him all the tax collectors and sinners to hear him.

2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them.

3And he spoke this parable unto them, saying,

4What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he finds it?

5And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, who need no repentance.

Parable of the Lost Coin

8Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she loses one piece, does not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she finds it?

9And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.

Parable of the Lost Son

11And he said, A certain man had two sons:

12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided unto them his living.

13And not many days later the younger son gathered everything together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

14And when he had spent everything, there arose a great famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16And he would gladly have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you,

19And am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of your hired servants.

20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son.

22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet:

23And bring here the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.

26And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27And he said unto him, your brother has come; and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.

28And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore his father came out, and entreated him.

29And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years have I served you, neither transgressed I at any time your commandment: and yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

30But as soon as this your son came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you have killed for him the fatted calf.

31And he said unto him, Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours.

32It was right that we should make merry, and be glad: for this your brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.