Top Ten Lessons I Learned from the Parables of the Lost
Sacrificial pursuit. Restoration. Joyful celebration.
Jesus loved to tell stories. Not myths. Not fairy tales. But parables. Earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. In Luke 15 Jesus told three stories of the lost being found: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. Found! We witness sacrificial pursuit, restoration, and joyful celebration. More than that, we experience it. We, too, are found.
10. The tax collectors and “sinners” (scum of society) gather around Jesus to listen and follow. The Pharisees and teachers of the law (upstanding church members) gather around Jesus to complain and boast.
9. Why did the shepherd leave 99 sheep to look for one that strayed? Can you imagine the risk? Must have been a very special sheep. And a determined shepherd.
8. Why did the woman throw a party because she found a simple coin? Can you imagine being invited to a “lost coin found” party? Must have been a very meaningful coin. And a joy-filled woman.
7. Why did a grown man kiss his long lost son instead of curse him for his rebellious behavior? Can you imagine the confused relief of the son? Must have been a very loved son. And a merciful father.
6. The cost and effort of pursuing the lost is not an issue compared to the joy of the celebration when they are found.
5. The angels in heaven rejoice when a person repents, not when a person insists that he or she doesn’t need to repent.
4. These stories do not reflect normal human behavior. But they do describe the normal behavior of God.
3. The joy of the ones who seek and find the lost is contrast to the grumbling of the Pharisees who dismiss the lost.
2. Jesus’ critics accuse him of welcoming sinners. And they are right.
1. Join the celebration!
PRAYER: I don’t feel lost, Jesus, but I know I am. I don’t feel found either, I guess, but I know I am. Lost in me. Found in you. Turn my faith – my life – to gain its meaning and mission not from me but from you. In you I find forgiveness and joy, blessing and courage. In you I find it all. Amen.