Luke 15 contains three parables spoken by Jesus. The three are given because of a complaint raised by the Pharisees and the scribes against Jesus. The complaint? “He receives sinners and eats with them.” Wow! Aren’t we glad he does!
The three parables are about a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost or wandering boy.
We often think of them in this manner:
“Lost coin” – representing one lost, not knowing they are lost and not knowing
what to do.
“Lost sheep” – one lost, possibly knowing it, but not knowing what to do about it.
“Lost boy” – one lost who knows it and knows what to do about it.
In the parables Jesus gives the reason for his association with sinners. The reason is common with all human beings for the things or people they love. As people love their animals, their coins and their children, God loves each and every one of us to a far greater extent.
The first two parables deal with God seeking. He seeks through his word, his instructions, his promises, his reminders in life of the uncertainty of our life in this world, the guilt and shame that overcome us when we do wrong, and the love he shows us in the gift of grace through Jesus Christ.
The third parable is dealing with the one who knows what he has done, what he has left behind and how to get it back. God patiently waits. He waits with arms open wide ready to receive back. He waits for our decision because it is our choice.
What love and concern God has for each and everyone of us.