Jesus as God
Jesus Seeks God's Lost Sheep
The parable responds directly to criticism of Jesus' own behavior toward sinners, so the shepherd's searching activity interprets Jesus' ministry.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Old Testament YHWH Identification
Divine Identity
Divine Authority
Fulfills YHWH Passage
Grants Salvation
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus explains his reception of sinners through a shepherd who seeks his lost sheep and rejoices when it is found.
Old Testament Background
Ezekiel 34 condemns Israel's shepherds and promises that the LORD himself will search for his sheep, while also promising a Davidic shepherd.
Exposition
Jesus' conduct toward sinners embodies the divine shepherd's seeking activity and prepares for his explicit statement in Luke 19:10.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The Ezekiel background and Jesus' self-interpreting conduct make this strong cumulative YHWH-identification evidence.
Response of the Hearers
Religious critics grumble that Jesus receives sinners; Jesus answers with the parable.