Reflections: In our text, Jesus addresses two elements of the Jewish community. One was made up of those who recognized that they were lost: the tax collectors and sinners. The other was made up of those who saw themselves as righteous and godly: the Pharisees and scribes. What we observe throughout the gospels is that those who had the greatest problems with Jesus were those who viewed themselves as the righteous ones. In fact, it was the religious community that was constantly finding fault with Jesus just as they did in our passage. In this case, they were criticizing Jesus for receiving sinners and eating with them.
What we notice amidst this tension between the two groups is that Jesus
continues His ministry to the lost. He presents three parables: the parable of
the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost son.
Each parable ends with great joy and celebration because the lost had been
found. Jesus’ ministry and mission were all about redeeming the lost. The
religious community was not prepared for that and therefore could not identify
with it because they did not see them-selves as lost. With all the religious
training and with following not only the Scriptural mandates but also many rules
and regulations of their own making, they considered themselves righteous and
above reproach. The concept that they were lost had no meaning for them. But
beyond that, the concept that the tax collectors and sinners who were lost could
be found, redeemed by Christ, was repugnant to them as well. Yet, we see Jesus’
heart reflected in v. 10. "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence
of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Remember what Jesus said in
His Sermon on the Mount? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matt. 5:6
I.
Questions over the biblical passage: Luke
15:1-20
1.
What prompted
Jesus to teach these parables? (1-3)
2.
Why does Jesus
say in our text that there will be joy in heaven? (7)
3.
What was the
father’s response when his prodigal son returned? (20)
II.
Application:
1. Are the self-righteous still hostile to the sinners in churches today?
2. Have you ever seen yourself in either category? How about both?