^ Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. ^ Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." ^ So He told them this parable, saying, ^ "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? ^ When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ^ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' ^ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. ^ "Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ^ When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!' ^ In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
I am impressed by the fact that one parable is aimed at women and one at men. Jesus was interested equally in both sexes. He did respect and love women equally with men. And yet they complement each other. Both are important for all people.
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