Luke 15:1-10 - Parables of the Lost: Part I
1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.
2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”
3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
5 “And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 “And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’
7 “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?
9 “And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’
10 “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Main Topics/Questions
Please consider the following topics/questions as you listen to the sermon:1. The crowds, which included despised Jewish tax collectors and those who were ethnically, but non-practicing Jews, continued to gather around Jesus even though he had given them some hard teachings. How does this relate to the"seeker sensitive movement" which is becoming popular today? Does this movement follow the intent of the Great Commission?
2. In what ways do the parables relate to the relationship between Jesus and the two groups: the tax collectors and sinners and pharisees and scribes? How do they focus on the relationships you and I have with Christ today?
3. In the parable of the lost sheep, what does Jesus mean when he says, "persons who need no repentance" Are there people who do not need to repent? Are you a lost person who has been found or do you think you’re found when actually you are still lost?
4. What might be a possible reason for sentimental value as well as monetary value of the silver coin? How might that relate to something we could value and what we might do to find it if it was lost?
5. Both the shepherd and the woman do all the work to find that which is lost. The lost coin (as well as the lost sheep) can do nothing to save itself. How does that relate to our salvation?
Conclusion:
Although you and I might like to think that we can do something to save ourselves from our lost and sinful condition and think we can save ourselves from death and hell; we can’t. Instead we need Jesus Christ to do all the work of living the perfect life which we cannot live. You and I need Jesus to take the punishment for our sins by dying on a cross, and then we need Him to come back to life in order to give us hope for our own resurrection. So don’t count on your own self-righteousness. It will get you nowhere. Instead trust in the righteousness of Christ to both find and save you. And if you have been found praise Jesus for finding you!
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Do you feel an emptiness in your life? Are you seeking answers but don't know where to look? Have you ever wondered if you are good enough? Please read the summary of the gospel message, "Four Things You Need to Know About God"
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