The sheep represent those who believe in Christ and are justified by faith.
IOW, the sheep represent the Church.
- What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them,
All 100 sheep belong to the shepherd.
The 99 remain justified.
The 1 who wandered away and became lost, returned to being a sinner in need of repentance.
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:4-7
Jesus is teaching His disciples what they need to do, to restore one of His sheep back to Him if it becomes lost.
Do the lost need salvation?
JPT