“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). This wonderful news is powerfully illustrated in our readings by the image of Jesus as a shepherd who seeks out the lost sheep. As He had mercy on Paul, in order to “display his perfect patience”, so also does He seek out His sheep “from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness” (Ezek. 34). And when Jesus finds the lost one and brings it home rejoicing, “the angels of God” and all the company of heaven rejoice with Him, with great joy (Luke 15).