Parables of the Lost

Luke 15:1-7

Introduction

1.      Parables are stories that make the truth more easily understood

2.      Questions for a first century Jew?  How should I treat a tax collector?  Should I speak to a woman who is a prostitute?

3.      Luke tells us three of Jesus’ stories that help answer such questions  

Discussion

1.      The three parables

a.       The lost sheep  

b.      The lost coin

c.       The lost son  

2.      Some things we can learn from these parables

a.       The parables are a response to the grumbling of Pharisees and scribes concerning Jesus’ relationship with tax collectors and sinners  

b.      There ought to be rejoicing when the lost are found (saved) – there ought to be no objection from the sheep concerning the shepherd’s use of his time  

c.       There are some who are lost who do not know the way to be saved – what is obvious to the saved will not always be so obvious to the lost  

d.      There are some who are lost who do not know that they are lost – in a world that has rejected heaven and, especially, hell, there is not sense of being alienated from God  

e.       There are some who are lost who know the way, but must first come to their senses before they will be saved

                                                            i.      A famine occurred – God can arrange circumstances in a way that can lead a person to change

                                                          ii.      The father did not go to the far country in search of his lost son  

f.        There are saved people who will not rejoice when the lost come to the Lord – the elder brother objected to the feast made for his brother who had returned  

Conclusion

1.       Some things that reveal our attitude toward lost people

a.       Disinterested:  we really do not believe that they are lost

b.      Grumbling and complaining about the kind of people who come to church:  we really do not believe that some people “deserve” to be saved

c.       Rejoicing in the baptism of another person:  we have the mind of Christ

2.       As Christians we need to be concerned about the whole person, and especially, we need to care for the souls of others

3.      “Is your heart right with God?”