A lost sheep, a lost coin and two lost sons – with these three parables, Jesus is giving us a glimpse of God’s heart. This glimpse is something we need to focus in on something that is very important to God.
It starts with Jesus welcoming tax collectors and sinners, and the Pharisees and scribes grumbling about it. In response to the complaint that Jesus receives sinners and eats with them, he tells these three parables.
First, the lost sheep: a typical flock assigned to one shepherd was about thirty to forty sheep, indicating that the shepherd was not alone in the task of caring for the sheep. So he is not neglecting the ninety-nine, but entrusts them into the hands of helpers – whom we can interpret to be the angels, pastors, and other brothers and sisters who help us in the faith. But the head shepherd has compassion for the lost sheep, so he goes and seeks it out. All of us have been that lost sheep. Notice the response when it is found: rejoicing.
Next, the lost coin: This coin was probably part of the woman’s dowry, and one of her very few personal possessions. It was probably worth a day’s wages, and may have been the price of one sheep. Houses in Jesus’ time had few or no windows, and were therefore always dark, so the woman lights a lamp to search for the coin. Clearly the coin cannot find itself, and must be sought out. It’s not an accident that Jesus calls himself “the light of the world,” and states the he came, “to seek and save the lost.” This is a picture of the very heart and mission of God. Again, notice what happens when the coin is found: rejoicing!
The last parable is one that is best known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This is the climax of the three parables, and shows the most detail of our Heavenly Father’s love for lost sinners. Focus in on the father’s response to his sons; both of whom were in the wrong. Notice that he seeks them out. This is not Middle Eastern custom. Fathers were revered, and had great dignity. Sons came to fathers, not the other way around. Yet this father will even run to his lost son, another undignified act, because he’d have to pull up his robe and expose his lower legs. He goes so far as to kill the fattened calf and have a barbecue to celebrate the younger son’s return.
As God’s people today, what do we celebrate? When do we rejoice? Do we believe these words, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”?
When you hear the words, “Your sins are forgiven.” Remember this chapter, for in that moment the Father is embracing his wandering child. He as found his lost treasure, and there is joy in heaven. But also look at the world around you. Do you see the lost treasures there? People whom God loves?
A child’s greatest pleasure is often seeing a parent rejoice. Let’s seek to help our Father rejoice by joining Him in seeking and saving the lost with the message of Jesus’ forgiveness and salvation.
Father, thank you for giving me opportunities to bring you joy. Sometimes I see my faith and forgiveness and things for me. Help me to see how, by sharing them, I can bring you joy and I can celebrate with you as people experience your love and forgiveness through Jesus. Amen.
It starts with Jesus welcoming tax collectors and sinners, and the Pharisees and scribes grumbling about it. In response to the complaint that Jesus receives sinners and eats with them, he tells these three parables.
First, the lost sheep: a typical flock assigned to one shepherd was about thirty to forty sheep, indicating that the shepherd was not alone in the task of caring for the sheep. So he is not neglecting the ninety-nine, but entrusts them into the hands of helpers – whom we can interpret to be the angels, pastors, and other brothers and sisters who help us in the faith. But the head shepherd has compassion for the lost sheep, so he goes and seeks it out. All of us have been that lost sheep. Notice the response when it is found: rejoicing.
Next, the lost coin: This coin was probably part of the woman’s dowry, and one of her very few personal possessions. It was probably worth a day’s wages, and may have been the price of one sheep. Houses in Jesus’ time had few or no windows, and were therefore always dark, so the woman lights a lamp to search for the coin. Clearly the coin cannot find itself, and must be sought out. It’s not an accident that Jesus calls himself “the light of the world,” and states the he came, “to seek and save the lost.” This is a picture of the very heart and mission of God. Again, notice what happens when the coin is found: rejoicing!
The last parable is one that is best known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This is the climax of the three parables, and shows the most detail of our Heavenly Father’s love for lost sinners. Focus in on the father’s response to his sons; both of whom were in the wrong. Notice that he seeks them out. This is not Middle Eastern custom. Fathers were revered, and had great dignity. Sons came to fathers, not the other way around. Yet this father will even run to his lost son, another undignified act, because he’d have to pull up his robe and expose his lower legs. He goes so far as to kill the fattened calf and have a barbecue to celebrate the younger son’s return.
As God’s people today, what do we celebrate? When do we rejoice? Do we believe these words, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”?
When you hear the words, “Your sins are forgiven.” Remember this chapter, for in that moment the Father is embracing his wandering child. He as found his lost treasure, and there is joy in heaven. But also look at the world around you. Do you see the lost treasures there? People whom God loves?
A child’s greatest pleasure is often seeing a parent rejoice. Let’s seek to help our Father rejoice by joining Him in seeking and saving the lost with the message of Jesus’ forgiveness and salvation.
Father, thank you for giving me opportunities to bring you joy. Sometimes I see my faith and forgiveness and things for me. Help me to see how, by sharing them, I can bring you joy and I can celebrate with you as people experience your love and forgiveness through Jesus. Amen.
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