Reflection on Luke 15:1-10

Scripture
Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and the teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people- even eating with them.

Observation
The Pharisees complain about Jesus fellowshipping with sinners so he tells them two stories.

In the first, a shepherd with 100 sheep notices that one of them is missing. He leaves the 99 in safety to go and find the lost one. Jesus concludes that there is partying in heaven when one sinner repents.

To reinforce the point, he follows up with a story about a widow searching for a lost coin. She sweeps and searches until it is found.

Application
Three main points arise from this episode.

1. Religious people don't like sinners. Yet, we are called to be light in the darkness and not a candle shining in the sun. We must have genuine friendship and fellowship with people who are lost if we are to help them to be found.

2. God actively seeks sinners. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He is not waiting for people to find Him, He is looking for them.

3. There is great rejoicing in heaven over a sinner who comes to faith. We may feel unworthy of being celebrated, but God places a high value on each person.

Prayer
Father you are a partying God! You love to celebrate, especially people's salvation. Help me to be aware today of people you may want me to befriend and how to help them find faith in you. Amen.