Lost in the World, Found in Christ

The Gospel of Luke Devotional

• Day 15 Luke Chapter 15
• Bible Reading: Luke 15:1-32
• Focus Scripture: Luke 15:6 And when he returns home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost!’

Ezekiel 34:4-5 “You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. ⁵ So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals.

*Definitions for Reference

criticism– the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.

self-righteousness– convinced of one’s own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others: narrow-mindedly moralistic: having or showing the attitude of someone who strongly believes in the rightness of his or her own actions or opinions

receive– be given, presented with, consent to formally hear: suffer, experience, or be subject to: visited by: admit as a member: provide space or accommodations for.

Luke chapter 15 presents three different parables all about the lost being found: the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), and the parable of the lost or prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The sheep wandered off becoming separated from the rest. The owner misplaced the coin, and the son caused himself to become lost. Everything that was lost was found. However, in the case of the Prodigal son he chose to become lost. The son eventually acknowledged his sin, repented and restored to his family.

(For an additional discussion of the Prodigal Son click here  Prospect of Recovery)

If religious leaders never minister to those wallowing in the filth of their sin how will they become clean? The Pharisees were setting a poor example of how teachers of the Law were to behave; they did not associate with certain people out of fear of becoming unclean. (Leviticus 5:3-6; Leviticus 14:1-57) We, as disciples of Christ, can get our hands dirty because we have a clear understanding of the laws. Touching or coming in contact with a sinful person will not make us a sinner unless we take part in their sins. We can lead lives of holiness and be helpful in growing God’s kingdom.

Jesus is a stark contrast to the Pharisees and other religious leaders because of His actions. He receives sinners, He invites them to listen to His words, and He teaches them. Be careful Believers to not to become like the Pharisees, judging others because they are not as educated or their moral standards do not match our own. We can become “snobbish” by thinking we ‘know it all’ and certain teachings are too remedial for us. We are given opportunities and responsibilities to learn more about the people we surround ourselves with as well as spread the Good News of God’s kingdom. The Pharisees arrogantly chose what commands they should follow and how. They were not concerned with the lost nor were they going to exert effort to look for them. How do we find the lost?… By sharing our stories of redemption, leading others to the solid teaching of God’s Word, and not withholding tools. We may not know the exact spiritual make-up of our neighbors but God does.

~Torrie

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you every rejoiced at finding something you had lost?
2. Who are the spiritual leaders in your life?
3. Do you feel whole and worthy of good things?

A Few Points:

1. Luke 15:1-7 The parable of the lost sheep. Jesus teaches the Pharisees that it is the lost that need someone to seek after them. The ones who are performing well and being obedient are not lost.
2. Luke 15:8-10 Palestinian women received ten silver coins as a wedding gift. Besides their monetary value these coins held sentimental value like that of a wedding ring and to lose one would be extremely distressing. Just as a woman would rejoice over finding a lost coin or ring so the angels would rejoice over a repentant sinner. Each individual is precious to God.(ESV Bible History Note)
3. Luke 15:11-32 The parable of the lost son. The father waited for his son to return after squandering his inheritance. The father accepted the son back into his home with open arms because the son repented. The son realized his wrong and how he had sinned. The older brother became irate because he had done everything he was told and didn’t leave the family. He too wanted a celebration or at least a reason why his younger brother deserved one. The father explained that this was indeed a great day because what had been lost was now found.

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