{This parable} (	(886e) parabol(886e) taut(886e)). The Parable of the
Lost Sheep ( 15:3-7 ). This is Christ's way of answering the
cavilling of these chronic complainers. Jesus gave this same
parable for another purpose in another connection ( Mt
18:12-14 ). The figure of the Good Shepherd appears also in  Joh
10:1-18 . "No simile has taken more hold upon the mind of
Christendom" (Plummer). Jesus champions the lost and accepts the
challenge and justifies his conduct by these superb stories. "The
three Episodes form a climax: The Pasture--the House--the Home;
the Herdsman--the Housewife--the Father; the Sheep--the
Treasure--the Beloved Son" (Ragg).