Luke 15: Lost And Found

It's difficult to over-state the compelling nature of the three (four?) parables we find in Luke 15.

Sometimes parables are given to us in the gospels without much context - just as fragments of Jesus' preaching and teaching.  Unfortunately, to best appreciate a parable and ascertain its meaning, context clues are very important.  Fortunately, at the beginning of Luke 15, we are given the context for a series of parables focusing on the lost and found: criticism of Jesus over His attention paid to "sinners."

In response, Jesus shares these stories to describe the heart of God when it comes to lost people.  He isn't looking to judge or punish them - but to save and rescue them!  Whether we can identify more with a sheep that has wandered away from its 99 companions, a coin that has dropped out of sight, leaving 9 others behind, or a runaway son who leaves his father and brother, these parables all emphasize the joy and rejoicing that occurs when the lost are found.

That is, until you reach the end of the third parable.  There is one who does not rejoice, but bitterly complains about the father's welcome.  The resentful elder brother is not a sympathetic character in this parable, but even here the father is intent on reaching out with his love, wooing his older son to come to the party.  Will he join the celebration?  The hope is held open and the question is left unanswered.  Perhaps there can be good news in this chapter for prodigal sons and elder brothers alike?

Seriously, if you didn't get it before in Jesus' ministry, Luke 15 makes it very plain that God cares about lost people.  Jesus came for sinners - Hallelujah!