If humans are “lost,” as Jesus teaches in this parable, what is the solution? According to Jesus, it begins with repentance. But that is an offensive idea in our culture. To say someone needs to repent is to say they’re a sinner. As modern people, we say that such ideas are an assault on our dignity as humans, and that dehumanizing doctrines such as this have no place in an enlightened society. But is that true? What if repentance means something deeper? And what if practicing it will lead to an even greater level of human flourishing and dignity? In this parable, Jesus himself gives us much-needed insight into the nature and practice of repentance.