1. NOW the publicans and sinners drew near unto him to hear him.
2. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3. And he spoke to them this parable, saying:
4. What man of you that hath an hundred sheep: and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which was lost, until he find it?
5. And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders, rejoicing:
6. And coming home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them: Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost?
7. I say to you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need not penance.