1 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.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found [it], he layeth [it] on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together [his] friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find [it]?
9 And when she hath found [it], she calleth [her] friends and [her] neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to [his] father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth [to me]. And he divided unto them [his] living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to [his] father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Overview of Luke Chapter 15
Luke Chapter 15 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Luke, containing three parables that illustrate themes of loss, redemption, and the joy of reconciliation. The chapter is significant for its emphasis on God’s love for sinners and the joy that comes from repentance.
Parable of the Lost Sheep (Verses 1-7)
This parable addresses the value of every individual and God’s relentless pursuit of the lost.
- Context: Jesus tells this parable in response to the Pharisees and scribes who criticize Him for associating with sinners.
- Key Elements:
- A shepherd with 100 sheep.
- One sheep goes astray.
- The shepherd leaves the 99 to find the lost one.
- Upon finding it, he rejoices and carries it home.
- Message: The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents is greater than over 99 righteous persons who do not need repentance.
Parable of the Lost Coin (Verses 8-10)
This parable further emphasizes the theme of searching for the lost and the joy of finding them.
- Context: Similar to the previous parable, it addresses the same audience and reinforces the message of God’s concern for the lost.
- Key Elements:
- A woman has ten silver coins.
- She loses one coin.
- She lights a lamp and sweeps the house to find it.
- Upon finding it, she rejoices and calls her friends to celebrate.
- Message: There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents, highlighting the value of each individual to God.
Parable of the Prodigal Son (Verses 11-32)
This is the most famous of the three parables and provides a profound insight into forgiveness, grace, and the nature of God as a loving Father.
- Context: The parable is directed towards both the sinners who are receiving Jesus and the Pharisees who are critical of His acceptance of them.
- Key Elements:
- A father has two sons.
- The younger son asks for his inheritance and leaves for a distant country.
- He squanders his wealth on reckless living and eventually finds himself in dire need.
- Realizing his mistake, he decides to return home and seek forgiveness.
- The father sees him from a distance, runs to him, and embraces him, celebrating his return.
- The older son, who has remained faithful, becomes resentful of the celebration for his wayward brother.
- The father reassures the older son of his love and the importance of celebrating the lost being found.
- Message: The parable illustrates the unconditional love of God, the joy of repentance, and the importance of forgiveness. It challenges the self-righteousness of the older son, representing the Pharisees.
Thematic Analysis
Luke 15 encapsulates several core themes that are central to the Christian faith:
- God’s Love and Mercy: Each parable reflects God’s deep love for humanity and His desire to seek out and save the lost.
- Repentance: The joy associated with repentance is a recurring theme, emphasizing that turning back to God is always met with open arms.
- Value of the Individual: Each lost item (sheep, coin, son) signifies the immense value God places on each person, highlighting that no one is beyond redemption.
- Joy in Heaven: The celebration in heaven over a sinner’s repentance underscores the communal aspect of salvation and the joy it brings to God and the heavenly hosts.
Conclusion
Luke Chapter 15 serves as a profound reminder of God’s grace, the importance of repentance, and the joy that comes from reconciliation. It challenges readers to reflect on their own attitudes towards sin, forgiveness, and the lost, encouraging a heart that mirrors the love and compassion of the Father.
