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 ninet