What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go to look for the one that has gone astray?
With this parable Jesus reveals the self-giving and initiating nature of God’s love: God does not care only for those who are already kept safe, but personally moves toward the lost, because every person has irreplaceable value in His eyes. The shepherd’s conduct shows that the plan of salvation is directed not only toward the majority, but especially toward finding the one who has gone astray and bringing him back. This parable at the same time gives a clear answer to the disciples’ question, “Who is the greatest?” showing that in the kingdom of God greatness is not measured by position, authority, or precedence, but is expressed in the willingness to love, seek, and restore the lost. Thus Jesus teaches that true greatness is born from serving love, not according to worldly notions or human standards.