God's Search for Sinners Luke 15:1-13

Tax collectors and sinners gathered to hear Jesus. Pharisees and other religious people grumbled: "Jesus welcomes sinners and even eats with them." So Jesus told them this story: "Suppose you have a hundred sheep and lose one. Don't you leave the ninety-nine to search for the lost sheep? When you find it you return with joy. You say to your friends, "Rejoice with me! I've found my lost sheep." So listen to me. There's great joy in heaven when one sinner turns away from sin. Much more than over ninety-nine law keepers like you."

Luke 15:13-24

Jesus thought this story would help them: A man had two sons. He divided his property between them. The younger son took his share and went to a far away country. He spent everything he had there in foolish living. Then famine came to the land. With no food he worked feeding pigs. He had to eat the pig's food. "At last he started thinking sensibly. "My father's servants have food. But here I’m starving! I'm going home. I'll say, Father, I've sinned against heaven and against you. Don’t call me your son anymore. Make me one of your hired workers." "He set off for home. His father saw him coming. Filled with love, he ran and hugged his son. The young man said, "Father, I've sinned against you. I shouldn't be called your son anymore." But his father interrupted. "Quickly, the father told his servants, "bring my best clothes for him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Let's eat and celebrate! My son was dead and now he's alive. He was lost and now he's found." They began to celebrate."

Luke 15:25-32

You lawmakers should know about the father' older son. "Jesus continued. Hearing music, he asked what was happening. "Your brother has come home safe and sound. So your father is giving a feast for him.' "Listen.' the son answered, 'I've been working for you for years. I've worked like a slave and never disobeyed. But I've not even had a little party with my friends. Now this son or yours, comes back. He’s wasted your property in sin. And you throw a huge feast!" "Son, answered the father, "You're always with me. Everything that's mine is yours. We must celebrate and rejoice. Your brother was dead and now he's come to life. He was lost and has been found.'" Remember that the Pharisees had grumbled because Jesus ate with sinners. He told these stories so that they would understand why he did this. Jesus hoped the lawmakers would see why God loves sinners.

Back to Family Communications