<P> The rejoicing of the shepherd with his friends represents God rejoicing with the angels . The image of God rejoicing at the recovery of lost sinners contrasts with the criticism of the religious leaders which prompted the parable . </P> <P> The image from this parable of the shepherd placing the lost sheep on his shoulders (Luke 15: 5) has been widely incorporated into depictions of the Good Shepherd . Consequently, this parable appears in art mostly as an influence on depictions of the Good Shepherd rather than as a distinct subject on its own . </P> <P> While there are innumerable references to the Good Shepherd image in Christian hymns, specific references to this parable can be recognised by a mention of the ninety - nine other sheep . </P> <P> Perhaps the best - known hymn describing this parable is "The Ninety and Nine" by Elizabeth C. Clephane (1868), which begins: </P>

The story of the good shepherd in the bible