Crowds were drawn to Jesus to hear Him teach but the Pharisees were criticizing Jesus as recorded in Luke 15 because He reached out to sinners and tax collectors. Jesus then uses three parables to address their concerns. The unifying theme of the parables is to celebrate when the lost are found. Jesus tells them that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent (v. 7).
The first is the Parable of the Lost Sheep. A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to look for the lost one and when found, there is so much joy that friends and neighbors are called together to celebrate.
The second is the Parable of The Lost Coin. A woman loses a coin at her home and searches carefully until she finds it. When she finally finds it, again there is a celebration with friends and neighbors.
The third is the Parable of the Lost Son. The youngest son of a wealthy man couldn’t wait for his part of the inheritance and demands to receive his part immediately. The son makes unwise choices and squanders the entire inheritance in reckless living. He finally comes to his senses and returns home thinking he would work for his father but when his father sees him coming home, he starts planning a feast to celebrate.
This day with God, let’s see value in everyone and search for the lost to bring them home. Lord, we pray for the right attitude in our heart; that we see value in all people and want to help all to accept Your Son as Savior. When this happens Lord, we look forward to rejoicing and celebrating the victory.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 