A careful analysis of three versions of the parable of the lost sheep reveals that Christ does not consider the lost sheep to be inactive members of a church that need to be found and brought back to the fold. On the contrary, the lost sheep represent something entirely different. Each version of the parable, found below, introduces a different background and includes different elements.

Matthew 18:11-13: For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Gospel of Thomas, 107: The kingdom is like a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. One of them, the largest, went astray. He left the ninety-nine and looked for that one until he found it. When he had gone to such trouble, he said to the sheep, ‘I care for you more than the ninety-nine.’

Luke 15:2-7,10: And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance…likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

In the Matthew, it would seem that Jesus is telling this story to bring attention to the fact that the Good Shepherd will go to extraordinary measures to seek out one lost sheep to bring it back to the righteous fold. However, a careful examination of the context and comparing with other teachings of Jesus reveals a deeper meaning. Earlier in Matthew 18, Jesus teaches His disciples the worth of souls, equating precious souls to little children; in verse 11, Christ says, “For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost.” He has not come to save those that are “righteous.” However, are any truly righteous? Are we not all sinners? Might the “righteous” in this parable be those that think they are not sinners? Christ’s statement is elaborated in the Joseph Smith New Translation: “For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost, and to call sinners to repentance; but these little ones have no need of repentance, and I will save them.” Little children have no need of repentance, but sinners, in order to become as little children and be saved, must repent. A sheep must separate and leave the “righteous” flock in order to repent and become as a little child. It is these souls that are so valuable to the Savior that He rejoices more in that sheep that “becomes lost and is found” than in the other ninety-nine that went not astray, or in other words, were so righteous that they did not think they needed repentance.

The Gospel of Thomas, which scholars believe is one of the earliest accounts containing the words of Christ written in the 1st century, indicates that very few will attain the Kingdom of Heaven. This is because of worldly desires and culture so obscuring the path that only the most dedicated and honest seekers of truth will find it. In the parable of the lost sheep in the Gospel of Thomas, it is the largest sheep that is lost. The shepherd goes after the most important of his flock—a sinner seeking repentance. The shepherd actually tells the sheep that he loves him/her more than the others. Perhaps only one in ninety-nine who profess to be the Lord’s will actually attain the Kingdom of Heaven.

I will choose you, one out of a thousand, and two out of ten thousand, and they shall stand as a single one. (The Gospel of Thomas, 23)

Many are standing at the door, but it is the solitary who will enter the bridal chamber. (The Gospel of Thomas, 75)

Luke’s version of the parable of the lost sheep supports this interpretation of the story. Christ is talking to the Pharisees instead of the disciples. The ninety-nine are a flock of self-righteous sheep who believe themselves justified. The Good Shepherd leaves this flock of sheep, who by their own standard need no saving, and goes to extraordinary measures to find the one sheep who knows that he is lost and has left the flock seeking repentance. He finds that one sheep and rejoices over its being found.
 
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:3)

Who then are the lost sheep? From a deeper reading of Luke’s version, it becomes apparent that the lost sheep are actually more righteous in God’s eyes than the ninety-nine. The Lord, as the shepherd, will expend a lot of effort and time to find those who are becoming as little children because of their repentance. They recognize they are sinners and are thus becoming qualified to be lifted on to the Savior’s shoulders and carried home to be rejoiced over. The ninety-nine believe they are already justified and righteous, and not in need of correction. This could be for many reasons, such as tradition, cultural beliefs, or a leader telling them that “all is well” because they have performed some ordinances and are keeping certain commandments. However, a few honest, truth-seeking sheep will recognize the peril of staying with the flock and leave to seek after truth and righteousness.

If you have ever watched a flock of sheep, you will notice that when they are stressed or sense danger they will gather together into as tight a group as possible; it is very rare to find a sheep all alone. People are very much like sheep. We tend to follow the crowd because it makes us feel safe, but the Lord wants us to think and act on our own instead of doing what other people do or tell us to do. The lost sheep are saved because they hear the good shepherd call to them (Alma 5:37-38; John 21:16) and respond to His voice. The others are lost because they think they are righteous and do not seek to hear the Master’s voice because they have been told or believe that they are already righteous and need no saving.