MPV Commentary

8. The house is swept, but not without dust remaining on human hands.

10. Similarly, the principle applies here. The joy expressed is not just about the person who was lost, but it's a celebration in the presence of God's angels. This reflects the idea that the Great Shepherd and Owner Himself takes great pleasure in recovering His own property. The joy is so vast that He cannot contain it; He calls together all His heavenly family to rejoice with Him, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep!" In this sense, the joy is before or in the presence of the angels, who share in and catch the overflow of His joy. This scene is a striking contrast to how some people around Jesus viewed those he was welcoming – publicans and sinners. They were turned away with disdain, but heaven's perspective is different: every lost person is watched with interest and celebrated with joy. The Great Shepherd is actively seeking out His lost sheep, and the Owner is diligently searching for what has been lost, finding it and bringing it back with joy, filling all of heaven with its celebration.