Lesson 50L The Chapter of Parables: Two Women, Sheep, One Man and Two Sons- Luke 15:1- 31

The Perspectives of Envy: 15:1, 2

King James Version (Chapter 15)

15 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

The Lord Jesus is teaching up a storm as He nears Jerusalem. He has just finished teaching about the saltiness of salt and the total cost of kingdom discipleship. The men who helped deliver Him(Scribes and Pharisees) up in the following chapters are not listening intently for good, but they are there to try and trip Him up. The key to what is important is the ones first listed as listeners: Tax collectors (publicans) and sinners.

If we use a play on words, The first of the two women in the parables of this chapter would be “Edith.” She is one of the lesser known women. She is one of the two women in the title of this perspective on envy. A little girl once told a preacher that she was so glad that he took time to mention her in his Bible preaching. She had road the church bus to the church and to some she would be just one of the bus kids. The preacher said, “I don’t remember using a little girls name in my preaching. What is your name?” The little girl said my name is Edith. I was so happy that Jesus receives sinners and me.” So, the truth that “Jesus receives sinners and eats with them” is a profound truth that many people cannot comprehend. How does a Holy God come down from heavens glory and associate with mankind, and receives them graciously. If you read the text without the play on the word “eateth,” we find that Jesus fellowships with them over food.

This kind of acceptance is preposterous to those who treat God’s work as belonging to them. It is not a country club religion. It’s not about the best seats, the finest clothes or who is the most important person in the room. The truth is as told. Jesus receives sinners, not just those who consider themselves worthy. Jesus wants to fellowship with you and me both, and yes, even little Edith:) Envy does stop individuals from receiving the good things, like food and fellowship from the Lord, if they think someone will be chosen over them for favor.

Parable of the Lost Sheep 15:3- 7.

English Standard Version (Chapter 15)

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Jesus is teaching us in this parable about the value of every individual in His kingdom. His willing to leave a group and go and find one lost soul. Yes, He is willing to go after that one and that one only if He has to. It is a labor of love to be found by Jesus. There is no greater feeling than to picked up and carried back home by the One who has saved your soul. Yes, God seeks sinners, receiveth sinners, eats with them, and if necessary, He will bring you home. This is a point of rejoicing in heaven with friends and neighbors because the picture of the lost sheep is really about human souls who need repentance. You see this is something the publicans and scribes would have never taught: that the Lord of glory goes after sinners himself. Then the heavenly crowd gives the Lord a hand. Let’s give it up for The Lord God who rescues, and yes, even you.

Parable of the Lost Coin. 15:8- 10

English Standard Version (Chapter 15)

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

This is definitely not a modern day story. The reason is not because it is in the Scripture pages, but because coinage has become of little value to individuals today. It is not uncommon to find pennies, dimes, and maybe even a quarter on the ground. But more than likely people will not even take the time to stoop over to pick up the coin. Ten coins laying on the ground may make you stop, but just one is not likely. Again, it is really not about the money, it is about souls who are in danger, will find that Jesus will do a complete sweep until the individual is found. Again, the joy is exceedingly evident before the angels over what happens when a sinner is found and repents!

The Prodigal Son 15:11- 31

English Standard Version (Chapter 15)

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”

This one of the most well known Bible stories that we have. Many of us have been just like the prodigal. Countless individuals have taken a share of an inheritance, or a large sum of money, thinking we have the world by the tail. Soon we find the money is gone and our popularity soon follows the departed money. The friends are gone as soon as the money runs out. Perhaps there was reckless living, addictions, or weaknesses that drove us to the brink or in this case it was the pigpen. While living and working with pigs, we come to our sense like this prodigal of the story. Perhaps it was the smell, the dirt, spoiled food, ruined clothes, and porky friends. this time, God did not go running for the prodigal, he actually came to himself. Boom! It hit him like a ton of bricks. This boy has sinned against God and his family. He thinks I need to go back home!

The journey there looked pretty good. His initial reception by his father was very good. But His brother was jealous and envious that he had come back. When you are coming home to your heavenly father, it may not be popular because someone else may not like the new found treatment that you are getting. On your trip back, relish the arms of the father and let that be your strength. Opinions and family reactions may not be up to your expectations. The real story is the truth that your are worth all of the hoopla that you have come home. “ We thought you were dead, but you are alive. We thought you were lost but now are found. Let’s party!”

If you have ever made the prodigal journey, you know from where you have come. Believe me, there is no greater feeling than to hear, “welcome home.”

Come to Jesus today.