[Illustration:  The unmerciful servant.]

THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

In one of His beautiful parables, Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd.  “I am the good shepherd,” says He, “the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”  And Jesus tells how the hired servant who cares for nothing but his wages, runs away when the wolf comes; but how the faithful shepherd, when robbers threaten his flock, or wild beasts attack them, defends his sheep bravely, often laying down his life for their sake.  Jesus also speaks of how the shepherd knows his sheep by name; and how, when he goes before them, they will follow him, because they know his voice, but that they will not follow strangers.  And the Bible, speaking of Jesus Himself, says, “He shall carry the lambs in His bosom,” or His arms, like the kind shepherd is doing in our picture.

Now, why does Jesus call Himself the “good shepherd,” and the Bible speak of Him as carrying the little lambs?  Is it not because He loves us; because He knows each one of us; because He gave His life for us when He died on the cross, and has gone to heaven showing us the way thither; because He calls us to follow Him; and because He is so willing to lead even the tiny ones, and shield them from harm, just like the good shepherd carries the poor wee lamb?  But Jesus asks one thing of us in return for all His kindness and care, and that one thing is our love.  Are we giving Him our love now?  Are we asking Him to lead us, and keep us safe from harm?  May we seek to follow Him and to know His voice.

[Illustration:  The shepherd and the lambs.]

THE LOST PIECE OF MONEY.

Jesus had been preaching to a crowd of publicans and sinners.  The publicans of those days were the collectors of taxes for the Romans, and it was a constant complaint against them that they exacted more from the people than they had any right to do.  So they were looked upon as wicked men, although they were not all bad.  Now the Scribes and Pharisees, who made a great show of religion, so far as outward forms went, were greatly shocked at seeing Christ sitting with publicans, and said, “This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.”

Then Jesus asked them, “What man of you, if he has a hundred sheep, and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after the lost one, until he has found it?  And when he has found it, he lays it upon his shoulders and takes it home, rejoicing; and calls together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that 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.

“Again, what woman if she has ten pieces of money, and loses one, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she finds it?  And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, ’Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece of money which I had lost.’