Day 19

Luke 13-15

Luke 15 begins with a key that unlocks each of the parables Jesus told.  

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” Luke 15:1-2, ESV

After the pharisees grumble, Jesus goes on to tell three parables in succession - all of which direct us to one great point. 

1. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)
2. The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
3. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

At the end of the first two parables, Jesus makes the same point:

"I 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.” Luke 15:7, ESV

"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:11, ESV

In the third parable, Jesus drives home this same point, but instead of dealing with sheep and coins - the main subject is now a person. The pharisees and teachers of the law were really big on religious practices, traditions, and would have even put a lot of value on the possessions mentioned in the first two parables. I’m sure, however, that a son who squandered his inheritance would have struck a different cord. Jesus was showing the religious people how little they valued others, especially sinners who were in need of a savior. 

Lastly, I want to challenge you to read this parable a little different this time. Often, when we read stories in the Bible, we see ourselves as either the hero or the most sympathetic character. While we have all been the prodigal at one point or another, that is not the point of the story. Jesus isn’t talking to the prodigals, but He is speaking to the Pharisees (remember verse 2). He is showing them that they are actually the older brother in the story. No matter how long we have walked with God, there is a little bit of the older brother in all of us. God wants to deal with that. Let Him.