Luke 15

Summary

 

These parables collectively emphasize God's love for those who are lost or have strayed, the importance of repentance, and the joy in heaven when a sinner turns back to God.

 

1. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7): Jesus tells the story of a shepherd with 100 sheep. One goes missing, and the shepherd leaves the 99 to search for the lost one. When he finds the lost sheep, he rejoices and calls together his friends and neighbors to celebrate the recovery of the lost sheep. The parable emphasizes God's joy over one sinner who repents.
2. The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10): Jesus shares the story of a woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. She diligently searches her house until she finds the lost coin. When she finds it, she, too, calls her friends and neighbors to celebrate the recovery of what was lost. This parable also highlights the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

3. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): Jesus narrates the well-known story of a younger son who asks his father for his share of the inheritance and then squanders it in reckless living. When the son realizes his mistake, he decides to return to his father, who welcomes him with open arms and celebrates his return with a feast. The elder son, who stayed with the father, becomes resentful, but the father urges him to rejoice because the lost son has come home. This parable underscores God's unconditional love and forgiveness for repentant sinners and also addresses the need for believers to avoid self-righteousness.

 

 

References

 

1. Anyabwile T. M. (2018). Exalting Jesus in Luke. Holman Reference.