The Parable of the Lost Sheep reveals that just as sheep are, by nature, unable to avoid straying from their shepherd, so humans, because of our sinful nature, are totally lost and in need of rescue by Jesus, our good shepherd. But in rescuing us from our sin, Jesus is not only showing us the power of grace to bring about individual redemption. Through his ministry, he also demonstrates the power of grace to create a new kind of community that bonds all kinds of people together, freely confesses sin, and offers healing and acceptance by the grace of Jesus Christ.