The Space Between

In our discussion today, we delve into Luke Chapter 15, a fascinating chapter that opens with an intriguing scene: the tax collectors, also known as publicans, and sinners are eagerly gathering around Jesus. In response, the Pharisees and scribes voice their disapproval, questioning why He welcomes such individuals. It's in this setting that Jesus begins to speak in parables.

Parable of the Lost Sheep

Jesus begins with the parable of a shepherd: "What man among you, having a hundred sheep and losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open field to go after the lost one until he finds it?" Once the sheep is found, the shepherd rejoices, carrying it back on his shoulders, and calling friends to celebrate.

This parable is presented to an attentive audience; farmers, ranchers, and shepherds alike who understood the significance of a lost sheep. Yet, the narrative notes an intriguing silence from the crowd after the story is shared, suggesting a moment of contemplation or perhaps misunderstanding.

Parable of the Lost Coin

Without pause, Jesus presents another story: "Or what woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses one, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?" Upon finding the coin, she calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her.

Again, Luke records no reaction from the gathered publicans, sinners, Pharisees, or scribes. This lack of response raises questions about whether the lesson intended by Jesus resonates with them.

The Prodigal Son

Jesus then introduces the parable most relatable to many: the story of the prodigal son. This narrative tells of a man with two sons. The younger one demands his inheritance early and departs for a distant land, indulging in what the scripture describes as "riotous living." When his resources are depleted, and famine strikes, he takes the lowliest job feeding swine, surviving off the pods meant for the pigs.

In his despair, the young man experiences an awakening, realizing the stark contrast between his plight and the abundance even his father's servants enjoy. This realization prompts him to return home, rehearsing a confession of his transgressions along the way.

The parable of the prodigal son provides a poignant illustration of Jesus' mission and the heart of God’s love, reaching out to the lost and disenfranchised. Through these parables, Jesus sought to explain why He sat and ate with tax collectors and sinners, emphasizing the joy of redemption and the importance of seeking the lost with persistence and compassion.

The Parable of Lost Value

In the parable of the prodigal son, the son makes a heartfelt speech, acknowledging, "I have sinned greatly against you and against heaven. Let me come and be your servant." With this speech, he leaves that far country, broke and full of pig slop, and walks back to where his father is. The parable tells us that when his father saw him, he ran to him with open arms.

Heaven Rejoices with Repentance

In these teachings, there is a recurring theme of joy in heaven when a sinner repents. In the parable of the lost sheep, it's said that the heavens rejoice when one person repents over a person who doesn't need repentance. Similarly, with the parable of the lost coin and the shepherd, Jesus says the angels rejoice at a sinner's repentance.

Jesus and the Sinners

All of these parables address the question, "Why does this Messiah sit with sinners?" Whether you see yourself as a sinner or a saint, there's a lesson to be learned. If you're a sinner, Jesus would sit with you because he believes you are of much value, like one lost sheep that warrants leaving the rest behind to find it. If you're a lost coin, you are valuable enough for Jesus to search tirelessly until he finds you.

A Lesson for Saints

If you identify as a Christian or a "saint," you'll recognize the importance of befriending those who are lost. This could be someone like the younger brother, the lost piece of silver, or the wandering sheep. Whatever the case, all lost things have value, and believers should spend time and energy associating with them as a means to help bring them back.

The Profound Value of the Lost

Tonight’s message is for anyone, regardless of where you fall on the spectrum. Jesus teaches so beautifully that the lost have profound value, so much so that the very heavens rejoice when they are found. Whether you're reaching out to the lost or recognizing your own lostness, there's a deep, joyous celebration awaiting in the rediscovery of value.