Three Parables from Luke 15

We all know the chapter of Luke 15. The three parables that show how God sought us in the first two and then we seek God in the last. However, have we ever looked at it past these points. Have we ever viewed it in a deeper manner or a more relative manner. I would like to take the time on this day to do so. We will look at all three parables and their scriptural relations to biblical events and present day application.

So, if you would let us turn to Luke 15. We will start with verses 1-7. Let us read.

  • Looking at verse 4 He poses a question to them about seeking out the one lost sheep and leaving the rest?

Now let’s look at this from two perspectives.

  1. Biblically: let’s turn to Exodus 2

    • In this chapter we learn of Moses’s birth and upbringing as well as what he observed and learned but we will look at two key points in this chapter. Follow me now:

      • After killing his “fellow Egyptian “ he feels he can lead his people (the Israelites) but is checked by an Israelite in verse 14 which leads him to flee from Egypt to then become a shepherd (verses 16-25)

        1. Exodus 3:1 says that Moses was leading the flock, fast forward and now in verse 10 God is saying go lead my people out of Egypt.

Moses did not recognize during this time he was being groomed to lead the flock, and just like his father-in-law the priest of Midian, God is directing him to fulfill his will and lead this human flock (the Israelites).

We will fast forward again to Ezekiel 34 where God states that his flock is scattered because the shepherds I place are only feeding themselves and not the flock.

  • Keying in on verses 4-5 God points out that some of flock has wandered away and no one went to retrieve them.

So when we look at our initial point in Luke 15:1-7 the shepherd goes to retrieve his one sheep and God told Moses to retrieve the Israelites. Where are they being retrieved from well we refer to Ezekiel 34:6 where God says they are over all the mountains on every high hill. But here is the best part in Luke 15:6-7 Jesus states that when the shepherd returns with the sheep he calls all his friends and asks them to celebrate with him for he has found his lost sheep.

Ezekiel 18:23 paraphrasing God does not wish for the wicked to perish but that they turn from their wicked ways. Luke 15:7 the joy over one who repents over ninety-nine who don’t. When looking at this parable Christ points out what Moses did previously and looking at the pharisees and scribes are not doing as “supposed shepherds".

This is what we learn from the just the first parable. What do we do now In the present remember we are called to be fishers of men (Mt 4:19) and to go teach all nations (Mt 28:19) as true shepherds to the herd.

END OF PAGE 1

PAGE 2

Now let’s continue forward with the second parable Luke 15:8-10.

  • Christ now speaks of 10 coins and if one is lost a lamp is not lit but the area is swept until it is found.

What could this also be describing that has previously happened?

Well let’s take another look at past. Let’s look at 1 Sam 30:8 where King David asked God should he pursue the troop and was told he shall surely overtake them and without fail.

  1. Looking at our main text of Luke 15:8-10 you have to remember that no lamp was lit but the area was swept away until the coin was found.

    • What do we recognize King David is doing as he is sweeping away all things that can cover up the brilliance that is God’s chosen. All those things that can be considered a distraction or disturbance those he has claimed.

      • We need to heed a couple points from this

        1. We need to consult God on what it is we are to do or not to do so that we are in alignment with his will and not that of our own.

        2. We are to remove those things that are not going to let is shine. When everything was swept away all the dust bunnies, dirt, and all things that would tarnish our shine or cloud our judgment.

END OF PAGE 2