Primary Text: Luke 15:1-17:10
Memory Verse: So He spoke this parable to them, saying: “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? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 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!’ 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.” Luke 15:3-7
Introduction:
Jesus attracted sinners, while the Pharisees repelled them. Introduction: Lost sinners came to Jesus, not because He catered to them or compromised His message, but because He cared for them. He understood their needs and was willing to help them overcome their circumstances. Jesus ministered true love to them.
In this chapter there are three related parables that have the same central theme of God’s yearning love for the lost. The parables explain why Jesus associated with sinners and were given in response to the Pharisees’ accusation that Jesus spent time with sinners. The Pharisees meant the accusation as a slander against Jesus, but Jesus saw it as an opportunity to show the value man has to God.
The parables dramatize the message of salvation. They make it clear that there is one salvation, through God alone, and that God welcomes and forgives repentant sinners. In fact, in the parables, there are two distinct roles clearly shown that each of us plays in this drama of salvation. First, the Lost Sheep parable shows God’s part. God is the shepherd seeking the sheep. Secondly, the parable of the Prodigal Son considers the responsibility man has in the scenario: he is the son who left home, repented of his waywardness and desires to return home.
The parables show us God’s love for the lost and they teach us what our attitude towards the lost should be. They are exemplified by three words: lost; found; rejoice. In each parable, something was lost, something was found (restored), and there was much rejoicing.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- How much does God value man? Luke 15:7; Psalm 72:14; Matthew 10:31.
- 2. Why is diligence an important characteristic of a Christian? Luke 15:8; Proverbs 10:4; Romans 12:8.
- 3. What things cause spiritual loss? Luke 15:13; Jeremiah 5:25; Matthew 25:29; Mark 8:36; 1 Corinthians 3:13.
- 4. What promises does God make to those who repent? Luke 15:20, 22, 24; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15.
- 5. What is required of us as stewards? Luke 16:2, 10; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Timothy 6:20; 1 Peter 4:10; Romans 14:12.
- 6. What are the “true riches”? Luke 16:11; Matthew 13:44; Revelation 3:18.
- 7. When we are unfaithful, what does that show about our true motivations? Luke 16:13; 1 Corinthians 10:21; James 1:8.
- 8. How can we keep from being double-minded? James 4:8; Galatians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Peter 5:9.
- 9. What duties do we have as Christians? Luke 17:8-10; Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9.