Luke 15:1-7
Today’s reading is the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus emphasizes the joy of the shepherd when he is able to find one of his huge flock who has gone missing, and return him to the fold.
We are all familiar with this parable, having heard it and probably read it ourselves many times. Today when I read it, I am led to imagine myself one of the rest of the flock, left ”alone” while the master goes off to look for the one who was foolish or thoughtless or willful enough to wander off from the rest of us. Or do I have a personal connection with that lost sheep? Maybe I am very worried about him, and afraid something bad might have happened. In that case, I am happy to see the shepherd go off to find my friend. If I truly understand the love of the shepherd for each and every one of his flock, I can begin to understand why Jesus spent time looking for and nurturing the lost. There is no room for judgement in my heart. No one is undeserving of God’s grace.
Holy One, thank you for teaching me, each and every day. I have so much to learn. I am sorry for all of the times I have let you down. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Luke 15:1-7
This is one of many loved parables in the gospels We see Jesus’s compassionate and understanding side. It is hard to understand a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then fully forgives them. What an extraordinary love. Tax collectors and sinners were gathering round to listen to Jesus. To some of the Pharisees and scribes this was quite scandalous. As far as they were concerned, any God-fearing person would have absolutely nothing to do with such people. It was bad enough socializing with them but to share their food was unthinkable; they were unclean and one became unclean by sitting at the same table with them. as far as the Pharisees were concerned these were non-people…
2021-0317 Tuesday, Daily Devotion - Luke 15:7
Luke 15:7 (NIV)
7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The focus in this passage might be one or ninety-nine, or whether the person repents or not. Looking at one person who repents, God takes even one person precious and rejoicing rather than ninety-nine. In other words, God does care about the number of people but He does care about one person very precious. In addition, God concerns whether the person or people repents. God wants people to turn around from themselves-centered life into God-centered life. One of…
Luke 15: 1-7
The parable of the lost sheep is something I can relate to. Like a sheep in a flock I wandered off. Like the lost sheep, I ran around in circles for many years, drawn away with other interest. Like the sheep that is lost, I could not find my way back to the flock. I did not intend to get lost, but I did. Then one day 3 years ago I found my way back to God. 7. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” I did not realize at the time…
Luke 15:2 - “And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ’This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’”
Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep in response to the grousing by the Pharisees over who Jesus was spending time with. They are perfect examples of the saying regarding people who are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good. It is no longer politically correct and even offensive to some to use the term “lost” to those without Christ, but lost they are and without followers of Jesus spending quality time with them to compassionately show them the way home, they will more likely remain so. Can the Holy Spirit act in them without…
Luke 15:1-7 When I first read these verses I jokingly thought that it is better to be a sinner for some of your life because God will rejoice at your repentance. But seriously there may be some truth in that. If you never sinned how would you know the joy of feeling God’s love and forgiveness? You might also think that you don’t need God because you are perfect.
Dear Lord, thank you for making me believe that I might be welcomed into your kingdom by repenting and trying to live by your example. Amen