Book of Luke
Chapter 15
The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son
Luke 15 powerfully portrays God’s boundless mercy and the joy of heavenly redemption. It assures us that no one is too lost for God’s loving reach or beyond the scope of His welcoming embrace. It challenges our attitudes towards those viewed as ‘sinners’ and convicts any self-righteous tendencies within us. Ultimately, these parables affirm that every individual’s repentance and restoration is cause for divine rejoicing.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Verses 1-7)
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost, emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
Jesus begins with the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the shepherd’s dedication to finding the one lost sheep out of a hundred.
And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home (Luke 15:5-6). This illustrates God’s personal care and joy in recovering the lost.
The parable highlights the value of each individual to God and His willingness to go to great lengths to bring them back. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)
The Parable of the Lost Coin (Verses 8-10)
8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
A woman loses one of her ten silver coins and diligently searches her house until she finds it. She then calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. This parable emphasizes the value of each individual to God and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
The woman who loses one of her ten silver coins diligently searches until she finds it, symbolizing God’s thorough and persistent search for the lost.
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). This underscores the heavenly celebration over repentance.
Rejoice with others when they turn back to God, understanding the immense joy it brings to the Father.
Encourage and support those who are on their journey back to faith. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)
The Parable of the Lost Son (Verses 11-32)
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
This renowned parable depicts a wayward son who squanders his inheritance, experiences hardship, and finally returns to his father, who joyously welcomes him back. An elder brother’s resentment at his brother’s acceptance exposes self-righteous attitudes that can hinder celebrating others’ repentance.
The story of the prodigal son illustrates the depth of God’s forgiveness and the joy of reconciliation.
The father’s response to the returning son—running to him, embracing him, and celebrating his return—demonstrates God’s unconditional love and readiness to forgive.
The elder brother’s reaction serves as a warning against self-righteousness and a reminder to share in God’s joy over the repentant.
Follow the example of the father in the parable by offering forgiveness and grace to those who have wronged you.
Avoid the trap of self-righteousness and cultivate a heart that mirrors God’s love and compassion.
This parable highlights themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the boundless grace of the Father.
Luke 15 is a heartfelt response to the grumblings of religious leaders about Jesus’ association with sinners. Using three parables — The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son — Jesus profoundly illustrates God’s unwavering love and joyous celebration over the repentance of a single sinner. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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