Luke 15:1-10
1Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4″Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
8″Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Related Text:
Psalm 119:169-176
Matthew 18:12-24
Luke 9:22-26
Luke 19:1-10
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Why Pursue Sinners?
This chapter contains three linked parables that explain why Jesus associates with sinners (the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son). Today, since we’ve already studied the prodigal son a few days ago, we will take a look at the sheep and the coin. The linkage is evident in the terms lost and found and rejoice and celebrate . All three parables end with similar statements (vv. 7, 10, 32). The theme of Jesus’ association with sinners is key. The unit involves a “twin parable” (sheep and coin) typical of Luke followed by an elaborate parable of the type often called an example story (prodigal son).
These parables introduce the importance of sinners for Jesus, and thus for His disciples. The parable’s drama is built on the tension of an attempt to find something that has been lost. Anyone who has lost anything or loses anything on a regular basis can identify with this tension. In our house it is keys and the remote control for the television that most often go AWOL. At such times an all-points bulletin sends my wife on a hunt for what heir absent-minded husband has misplaced. When it is found, all are relieved. So in these parables with the sheep and the coin.
Jesus tells these parables to tax collectors and sinners. The stories offer comfort, especially in the face of the Pharisees and scribes’ grumbling that Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. Think about the people Jesus is talking to, the tax collectors and sinners. Are they within ear-shot of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, listening to them complain and protest? The fact that tax collectors and sinners listen to Jesus while the leadership does not is a cultural reversal of expectation. Sometimes hearers are found in surprising places. The issue of listening to Jesus is a major one in Luke. To experience God’s blessing, we need to listen to him, no matter who might try to impede us.
The sheep can return to the flock, the coin can be found, and you can return to the Father; the Father who welcomes you with open arms. Why pursue sinners? Because they need Jesus.
