“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).Can you hear the contempt in their grumbling? Ironically, they certainly had no idea of the extent of God’s love for the lost souls made in His own image.
Jesus describes God’s true feelings toward sinners in three parables–The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and The Lost Son(s). Each parable is similar in that the reason for seeking the lost is the same. Something of great value is lost and has to be found. Only when the lost is found do we see joy and celebration restored.
Each parable differs in that the drama escalates from parable to parable. The thing lost is shown to be more rare and precious than the one before it. The lost sheep is one of a hundred. The lost coin is one of ten. However, the lost son is just one of two.
Each parable also differs in that the reason for becoming lost varies. The sheep is lost because of its nature to drift carelessly away from safety. The coin is lost because of someone else’s carelessness. The son is lost, however, because of his own defiant will.
Perhaps that last parable hits home closest to those leaders of Jesus’ day. In fact, if we look closely enough we may even find ourselves playing out one of the three roles in the parable of the prodigal son (15:11-32).
The young son is shown as a naive FOOL. He had a comfortable home and the fellowship of his father. Yet, he leaves it all to satisfy his desires and to waste his inheritance on wild living. Actually, he loses more than money. He loses his self-respect. He loses it all before he comes to his senses. Haven’t most of us done the same thing at some point in our lives?
The older son is shown as a heartless CRITIC. He is angry at the return of his own brother! All he sees are the favors presented. He is self-righteous, jealous and hateful. Where is his love? Where is his compassion? Where is his forgiveness? Oh, by the way, where is ours?
The father is shown as a loving SEEKER. He sees his son “a long way off” and runs to meet him. He could tell the young son “I told you so” but he does not. Instead, he rejoices at his return. My friends, that is the heart of the Father in heaven. That is the heart that we should have today. That is what this world needs right now! Can you play the role of the Seeker, too?
“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” (15:7).
by Jim Morris
Activity For The Day - Prayer
