>1. To whom did Jesus tell this parable, and what criticism was he answering?
* Luke 15:1-2 "Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
* Luke is in the middle of his recording many events unique to his gospel.
Luke records many events unique to his gospel, starting in Luke 9:51 (or 10:1) till Luke 18:14 (i.e., the sending of the seventy-two in 10:1-23, a unique visit to Martha and Mary's house in 10:38-42, ten healed of leprosy in 17:11-19). Much in these eight plus chapters are parables unique to Luke's gospel. (See a chart comparing Jesus' parables by using the link above.)
Luke 18:15, Matthew 19:13, and Mark 10:13 record the same event, people bringing little children to Jesus.
The events only recorded in Luke's mid-chapters seems to document events that happened during Jesus' trip to Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication (winter) as John 10:22 records, and his last trip just before Jesus was crucified during the Feast of Passover (spring). If these facts are true than its possible that Luke 13:22 and 31 documents the start of Jesus' final trip to Jerusalem. (See chart.) He stopped in every town on this last journey to Jerusalem (14:25, 17:11, 18:31).
* "tax collectors" -A political office created by the Romans to help collect taxes in the provinces. Actually, the title "tax collector" is more correct than the older term "publican" in referring to the lowest rank in the structure. Zacchaeus is called a "chief among the publicans" (Luke 19:2), probably indicating one who contracted with the government to collect taxes, and who in turn hired others to do the actual work. In New Testament times people bid for the job of chief tax collector and then exacted the tax plus a profit from the citizens. Most of the offices were filled by Romans, although some natives got the bids. Publicans were held in the lowest esteem because of their excessive profits, being placed in the same category as harlots (Matt 21:32). Jesus was accused of eating with and befriending them (Matt. 9:11).
* "sinners" -A person who has missed God's mark for life, rebelling against Him. The Bible considers every person a sinner (Rom. 3:23). In the Old Testament people who do not live by the law were considered sinners (Ps. 1). The New Testament uses anomie in a similar way (1 Tim 1:9). Jews regarded Gentiles as sinners (Gal. 2:15) as also people who did not keep the tradition of the Pharisees, including Jesus (Matt. 11:19; see Luke 15). Paul spoke of sinners as those separated from God (Rom. 5:8).
* "were all gathering around to hear him" -They can to listen to Jesus. They have an open heart and mind.
* "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." -Notoriously evil people as well as those who refused to follow Mosaic law as interpreted by the teachers of the law. The term "sinner" was commonly used to tax collectors, adulters, robbers and the like. To each with a person was a sign of friendship.
>2. In what respect is a sinner like the sheep who wandered away?
* Jesus receives lost rejected souls and socially scorned people, those who have rebelled against God and selfishly hates others. He compares them to lost sheep. He receives them cordially and affectionately. He embraces them, taking them in his arms to his bosom, near his heart, as the word implies. What mercy! Jesus receives sinners in the most loving, affectionate manner and saves them unto eternal life!
Jesus is telling this to tax collectors who, of their own accord, joined what their society considered their enemy, Rome. He is telling this to the religious elite, those who publically labeled people "sinners" because they did not keep their erroneous religious rules. He is telling this to the Pharisees and the teachers of the law (scribes) who, while being the religious elite and social leaders, were rejecting the Messiah. All of them have gone astray - lost, wandering the dangerous valley alone.
Those Jesus addressed some 2,000 years ago are no different than us today. We are like Isaiah the prophet wrote, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6)
Jesus gives away a secret of heaven. He opens the curtain to see what they consider a reason to party. "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."
Listen to the above comments on Luke 15:1-7.
>3. According to verse 4, what does one do when he discovers one of his sheep has wandered away?
* Luke 15:3-4 "Then Jesus told them this parable: "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?"
* Matthew 18:12-14 also records this parable of the lost sheep.
* "parables" -Stories, especially those of Jesus, told to provide a vision of life, especially life in God's kingdom. Parable means a putting alongside for purposes of comparison and new understanding. Parables utilize pictures such as metaphors or similes and frequently extend them into a brief story to make a point or disclosure. Nevertheless, a parable is not synonymous with an allegory. The difference between a parable and an allegory turns on the number of comparisons. A parable may convey other images and implications, but it has only one main point established by a basic comparison or internal juxtaposition. For example, the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4:30-32; Matt. 13:31-32; Luke 13:18-19) compares or juxtaposes a microscopically small seed initially with a large bush eventually.
* The three parables Jesus taught here contrasted the love of God with the exclusiveness of the Pharisees.
* The shepherd theme is common all the way back to David's psalms.
* This illustration titled "Parable of the Lost Sheep" is from a book by Eck, Johann, 1486-1543. now in public domain. The book's title is "Christenliche Ausslegung der Euangelienn : vonn der zeit durch das gantz Jar, nach gemainem Verstand der Kirchen vnnd hailigen Vätter vo[n] der selbigen angenom[m]en, auss Befelch der durchleüchtigen, hochgebornen Fursten vn[d] H. H. Her Wilhelmen vn[d] Herr Ludwigen Pfal: bey Rhein, Hertzogen in Obern vnd Nidern Bairn & Gebrüder / durch Johan von Eck ... Der erste Tail vom Advent biss Ostern."
This woodcut illustrates a shepherd carrying a sheep while in the bottom right is the rest of the flock in the distance.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>Describe the heart of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost.
* The shepherd risked a lot to save the one. He risked the flock. He risked his well being. He risked money.
>4. What happened when he found his lost sheep?
* Luke 15:5-6 "And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'"
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>What does this response teach us about God?
* Luke 15:7 "In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!"
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>How does it explain Jesus' welcoming the tax collectors and sinners?
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II. The Lost Coin (8-10)
>5. In what respect is a sinner like the coin that rolled away?
* Luke 15:8-10 "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?
9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'
10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
* Luke is the only one to record the parable of the lost coin.
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>What does the woman who looses one of her ten coins do?
* "Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?"
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>What does this reveal about her character?
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>What does she do when she finds her lost coin?
* Luke 15:9 "And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'"
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>How does this parable reinforce the other in its teaching about the heart of God?
* Luke 15:10 "In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents."
* The Parable of the Lost Coin is similar to the Parable of the Lost Sheep. However, Jesus's conclusion is slightly different. The difference is seen at the conclusions. In the Lost Coin Jesus says, "...rejoicing... over one sinner who repents." In the Lost Sheep, Jesus says, "...more rejoicing...over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." The point of the Lost Coin is that one person repenting is very important.
Many in my society do not consider individuals important. However, Jesus considered each person important. He especially takes note when they change their ways and thinking to righteousness.
The drachma, worth a day's wages that was lost, is an expressive emblem of a sinner who is estranged from God and enslaved to habits of iniquity. The longer a piece of money is lost, the less probability there is of its being again found. It may not only lose its color and not be easily observed but will also continue to be increasingly covered with dust and dirt. Its value may be vastly lessened by being so trampled on that a part of the substance, together with the image and superscription, may be worn off. So, the sinner sinks deeper and deeper into the impurities of sin, loses even his character among men. Still, Jesus finds it valuable and worth rejoicing when found.
Listen to the above comments on Luke 15:8-10.
III. The Lost (Prodigal) Son (11-32)
* This illustration titled "Parable of the Prodigal Son" is from a book by Luther, Martin, 1483-1546, tr.. now in public domain. The book's title is " Biblia : Das ist die gantze Heilige Schrifft Alten und Neuen Testaments / verteutscht durch D. Martin Luther ; Jetzo abermal nach dem letzten im Jahr 1545 noch bey desselben Lebzeiten ausgegangen ... samt zweyfachen theils zum Gedächtniss, theils zum Verstand der Haupt-Sachen selbst dienenden Summarien ... zumalen mit Matthäi Merians sel. schönen lebhaften Original-Kupffer-Stücken gezieret und durch Zugabe des III. und IV. Buchs Ezrä und III der Maccabäer vermehret"
This woodcut illustrates the father embraces his son upon his return home (foreground). The prodigal son tends to the pigs. Engraved by Matthaeus Merian (1593-1650).
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>6. Why do you think the younger son wanted to leave home? (11-12)
* Luke 15:11-12 "To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: "A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, "I want my share of your estate now before you die."So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons."
* Luke is the only one to record the parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son.
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* Jesus continued his teaching to a mixed crowd. Luke notes two differences to those who were present. One personality type was the social outcasts and sinners who gathered around to hear Jesus (1). The other personality type was the self-righteous socially accepted religious leaders who came to destroy God's work through Jesus' ministry (2). Jesus told them "The Parable of The Lost Sheep" and "The Parable of The Lost Coin". Now he would tell all a third, "The Parable of the Lost Son."
The two previous parables had several mutual components. One aspect easily overlooked is that they compare an owner's response to two identical elements, except one has more value than the other; one sheep in contrast to ninety-nine, and one coin in contrast to nine. "The Parable of the Lost Son" would do likewise. Jesus would compare a father's response to two sons.
The younger son abandoned his place in his father's house. He left his responsibilities. He abandoned his father's lifestyle. He wanted nothing to do with anything about his father, except his wealth. He decided to enjoy life by doing whatever he wanted to do. He represents the social outcasts and sinners. They, like the younger son, had abandoned their place in their heavenly father's house.
The oldest son remained with his father. He watched as his younger brother dishonored their father. He said nothing to his younger sibling when their father gave his younger brother a share of the inheritance. The parable will show that the older brother, though with his father, did not agree with all his father's beliefs and lifestyle choices, especially when dealing with this younger brother. Jesus exposes that the older brother did not love his rebellious younger brother as his father did. The older brother represents the self-righteous socially accepted religious leaders who came to destroy God's work through Jesus' ministry. Unlike their father, they hated the tax collectors and sinners.
Listen to the above comments on Luke 15:11-12.
>What does his father's way of dealing with his son teach us about God?
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>7. What happened to the younger son?
* Luke 15:13-16 "A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything."
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* Looking from a mountain top citadel, the view of opposing mountains and the valleys looks like a journey of adventure and fun. However, one does not see the rivers between are fast turbulent bearriers. Nor seen are the venomous snakes, wild animals, mosquitoes, poisonous plants, and selfish people living between the citadale and the disappointing destination.
When young, living an adult life is like the mountain top view. To the young, wisdom says, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them'". (Ecclesiastes 12:1) A strong relationship with Jesus in youth has the highest value in later years.
Similarly, for adults, shedding adult responsibilities and requirements seems to be a wise and good decision. Exotic, carefree living is intoxicating until resources run dry and one lies in a bed in withdrawal. To the adults who want to make the great escape, wisdom says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13b-14) When one reaches the opposing mountain, it need not be a disappointing destination.
>Why did he decide to go back home?
* Luke 15:17-10 "When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, "At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.'"
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>Why is this a crucial and significant decision?
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>With what kind of attitude did he return?
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>8. Describe the waiting father?
* Luke 15:20-21 "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.'"
* The younger son "came to his senses" (17, literally "came to himself"), meaning he had given himself over to experience stimuli, a type of madness of the soul (heart, will, and mind). Now, he retook control of his soul. He decided to return to his father, knowing not what awaited him. He hoped to experience the presence of his father, for he knew his father was good and loving.
When the father first caught sight of his younger son, he was filled with joy (20b), a response Jesus taught about in the previous two parables. This is a beautiful description, the image of his father's happening to see him clad in rags, poor, and emaciated, and yet he recognized his son, and all the warm feelings of a father prompted him to go and embrace him.
The comfort of the embrace of a forgiving heavenly Father warms the soul and delights the spirit. Rest is His name. Peace is His presence. Love is his heart. The energy in the kiss of our passionate heavenly Father straightens the bent back and washes the soiled soul. Everlasting Father is His name. Power is His presence. Holy is his heart.
"Father, I have sinned," is the only anticipated response. "I was worthy to be your son. I no longer am worth. Through my submission to sin and darkness, I died."
"You are now alive again." The Father has the power to raise to life that which is dead.
>What did he do when he saw his son coming?
* "Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him."
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>How did he reveal his unconditional love and forgiveness?
* Luke 15:20-24 "But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began."
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>What does this father teach about God and God's attitude toward sinners?
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>9. Why would the older son not understand his father's actions or his father's heart?
* Luke 15:25-30 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 'Your brother is back,’ he was told, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.' "The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, 'All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!'"
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>In what respect was he a lost son too?
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>What is Jesus' message to the critical Pharisees?
* How many times does something happen in my life and I ask, "Why?" "Why did God allow this to happen?" I try to do the right thing, knowing that I will fall short of perfection. Yet, I believe that I have done enough of the right things to live a life where goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Yet, they do not. These deplorable events happen. How I react displays my character.
The day his younger brother returned was such a day for the older brother. He had been busy in the field doing what was expected of him. He returns home to the sound of laughter and music. A party was commencing, and he was not informed. When the older brother learned the reason, he became angry. Nothing seems to come his way except toil and trouble, and now this.
The older son had a problem and was not aware of it. He was bitter with life. He did not know his Father's love. Trouble and deplorable things happen to everyone. Knowing and adhering to righteousness does not guarantee happily ever after.
When a sinner returns to the heavenly Father, I can rejoice with the Father, or I can be like the older brother. The forgiving love of the father symbolizes the divine mercy of God, and the older brother's resentment is like the attitude of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who opposed Jesus.
>10. How did the father counsel the older son?
* Luke 15:31-32 "His father said to him, 'Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'"
* Jesus concluded "The Parable of the Prodigal Son" by revealing God's love for both sons. Perhaps a better title would be "The Father's Love for Sons Who Reject Him." Yet, that is too long. How about simply "The Father's Love"?
When the Father addresses the older son, Jesus does not say that the older son repented. We are left wondering. This seems to indicate that the parable and the former two address the Pharisees and teachers of the law more than those they labeled as tax collectors and sinners. They are given the choice to accept the Father's love for their younger son or reject it.
The father explained his actions toward the younger brother to the older brother. I paraphrase here, "You have not lost anything upon his return. You still have all that is mine. However, you did gain something. You gained younger son who has changed. He was dead when he left here. No love. No life. He was lost to the truth. He has returned full of life and love. He has repented."
The father's love is a beautiful picture of the return of the younger son, which also pictures Christian conversion (Romans 6:13; Ephesians 2:1,5) The words "lost and is found" are often used to mean "perished and saved" (19:10; Matthew 10:6, 18:10-14)
>What is Jesus primarily teaching in this parable about God?
