伊丽莎白·克利芬（Elizabeth C. Clephane）. Explore “The Ninety and Nine”: song information and official sources.
Our misery in sin · Lost and sought
Jesus tells the parable in Luke 15 very briefly: the shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to seek the lost one, then joyfully carries it home on his shoulders. This hymn keeps the camera on the search: wilderness, deep waters, thorns and blood on the shepherd's hands. It describes being lost as danger rather than stupidity or shame; the sheep cannot return on its own. The question and answer at the end are especially effective. Why does heaven rejoice? Because the Lord has found his own sheep. Notice that the shepherd remains the acting subject. Often used at evangelistic meetings, the hymn should also be sung to those already in church. If the ninety-nine forget they too were once that one sheep, they will begin to resent those who come later.
Evangelistic meetings and welcome Sundays; teaching on Luke 15 or God's seeking love; self-examination for pastoral workers.