2009-10-25
The Parables of Jesus - Come Home:
The Lost Sheep, Coin and Son
Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review
The rest of the New Testament is needed to fully understand most of the parables.
Luke 24: 27,44-45
To not understand the parables enough to respond is a spiritual problem.
In the same way the Darwinist has a spiritual problem.
The final fishing trip (Matthew 13: 47 - 52)
Separating the fish: throwing out the inedible fish, and placing the good into baskets.
The Good Shepherd and sheep pen.
The Shepherd knows His sheep, and the sheep know the Shepherd (John 10: 1 - 21)
The setting and occasion: The Pharisees took note of who Jesus hung out with.

B. The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
Luke 15: 1 - 7
Isaiah 53: 6 connects all of these parables to the cross.
Verse 7: repentance is a key, and will be in the next to parables.
Even through there were 99 others, the one was worth the effort and risk.
Jesus' emphasis on seeking the lost reveals the heart of God toward sinners.

Luke 15: 8 - 10
A search would have required some strenuous effort

C. The Parable of the Lost Son

The Son wants his independence.
There is certainly a draw of the flesh that is quite attractive right now.

Luke 15: 11 - 12 He wanted freedom to do what he wanted to do. he did not want any authority over him.
If you know someone like this...
Luke 15: 13 And there in the distant land, he indulged his desires.
Luke 15: 14 - 16 He suffered the consequences of his irresponsibility.
Luke 15: 17 - 19 And finally, then the son came to his senses.
The wayward one must be mad if he thinks he can leave the One that cares for him.
So, he repents and recognizes he has no rights, but will fall upon the mercy of his father...
Luke 15: 20 - 24 And now, the point of the story: the response to the father!
Luke 15: 25 - 30 The Pharisees did not have an accurate view of God
Luke 15: 31 - 32 Jesus said it was His mission to seek and save those who are lost.

Come home. Whether a few steps or years, or you've never come, come home.