Discovery Pathway Classes - Baptism and Spirit-Filled LivingSample

And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 15:9-10

Did you enjoy imagining Jesus rejoicing over you? Did it stir up joy and praise inside of you? That is a natural response to such love. But at the core of this story is the potential for shame. The “religious” gossipers who questioned Jesus about his choice of friends wanted to disgrace Jesus and those “sinners.” They wanted Jesus to respond in some way that would distance him from such “disgusting” people.

It might remind you of the peer pressure in school to avoid the outcasts, the screw-ups, or those who might ruin your reputation. Jesus faced a similar decision on that day. Would he backpedal away from the “sinners” to save face? Imagine the tension in the room. Imagine the gossipers loudly muttering their shame-filled comments. Imagine Jesus standing there, knowing what was being said.

There was no question about what he would do. He had done it before, and he would do it again. His heart was filled with love and compassion. He would not only stand by the men and women being publicly shamed, but he would invite others to celebrate with them!

Who were the others? The Hosts of Heaven! The angels of God! Imagine for a moment, and this will take a vivid imagination, the roar of rejoicing taking place in heaven when a lost sheep is found. Imagine the volume of uncountable voices rejoicing over the coin that has been found. Imagine Jesus putting up your picture and name in front of the Hosts of Heaven and rejoicing breaks out across all of Heaven. Just imagine!

On that day, Jesus could have easily protected his reputation. He could have pretended that he wasn’t aware of their pasts, of their mess-ups, of their brokenness. But he didn’t. He told a story that revealed his heart. He not only chooses to rejoice over us when we repent and return to him, but he also invites heaven to rejoice over us! What a Savior we have. What a proud, strong, fearless, good Savior we have. Write down your thoughts about this truth and anything God says to you during this time.