Luke 15:2-7 Consequently both the Pharisees and the scribes (scholars; theologians of the Law) kept on privately grumbling, muttering complaint and discontent among themselves, one after another saying "This man is constantly receiving and giving welcoming-hospitality to outcasts (sinners; etc.) and is habitually eating with them."

JMNT⁽ⁱ⁾ ² Consequently both the Pharisees and the scribes (scholars; theologians of the Law) kept on privately grumbling, muttering complaint and discontent among themselves, one after another saying "This man is constantly receiving and giving welcoming-hospitality to outcasts (sinners; etc.) and is habitually eating with them." ³ So He spoke this illustration (parable) to them, presently saying, ⁴ "What person from among you folks, presently owning (possessing) one hundred sheep and then upon losing one of them, is not normally leaving the ninety-nine down within the wilderness (open range; desolate and uninhabited place) and then continuing on his way upon [the track of] the lost one – until he can (or: may) find it? ⁵ "Later, after finding [it], he proceeds to place (or: lay) it on his shoulders, amidst rejoicing! ⁶ "And so, upon coming into the house, he proceeds calling together [his] friends and neighbors, saying to them in turn, 'Celebrate (or: Be glad and caused to rejoice) together with me, because I have found my lost sheep!' ⁷ "I am now saying to you folks that in this way there will continue being joy within the heaven (or: the atmosphere) upon (or: on the occasion of) a progressive changing of the mind (or: a continued change in thinking and perspective, [accompanied by a return to the Lord]) by one outcast (habitual failure; person who constantly makes mistakes; sinner) – [more] than upon ninety-nine 'righteous and just folks' (or: people who are fair, equitable and in rightwised relationships in the Way pointed out) who continue having no need (or: necessity) of a change of mind [or a return to Yahweh].