What does the Bible say about lost sheep?

In Luke 15:1-7, Jesus shares a parable about a shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost. This reflects God's heart for those who stray from Him, illustrating that every individual matters to Him, and emphasizes that the work of salvation is initiated by Christ, the good shepherd. He seeks out His lost sheep, knowing their struggles and vulnerabilities, and rejoices greatly upon their return. This parable reassures us that no one is too far gone for God’s grace, reaffirming the importance of God’s pursuit of sinners.