◄ Luke 15 ►
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The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10–14) 1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. 2So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, 6comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent. The Parable of the Lost Coin 8Or what woman who has ten silver coinsa and loses one of them does not light a lamp, sweep her house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors to say, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin.’ 10In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Deuteronomy 21:18–21) 11Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing. 17Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death! 18I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.b’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. 25Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on. 27‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31‘Son, you are always with me,’ the father said, ‘and all that is mine is yours. 32But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Footnotes: 8 a Greek ten drachmas, each worth about a day’s wages 21 b WH includes Make me like one of your hired servants; see verse 19. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Luke 15 Summary The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son Verses 1–2 – The Setting Tax collectors and other openly sinful people press in to listen to Jesus, while Pharisees and scribes complain, saying, “This Man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Their criticism gives Jesus occasion to tell three accounts about things lost and found. Verses 3–7 – The Lost Sheep A shepherd with one hundred sheep leaves the ninety-nine in the open field to search for a single stray. On finding it, he lays it on his shoulders with joy, calls friends and neighbors, and invites them to rejoice. Jesus concludes, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.” Verses 8–10 – The Lost Coin A woman with ten silver coins (each worth about a day’s wage) loses one. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches diligently until she finds it. She then calls her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin I lost.” Jesus adds, “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” Verses 11–32 – The Lost Son (The Prodigal A younger son demands his share of the estate, travels to a distant land, and squanders everything on reckless living. Destitute, he hires himself out to feed pigs and longs to eat their food. Coming to his senses, he resolves to return, confess his sin, and ask to become a hired servant. While he is still far off, the father runs to him, embraces, and restores him with robe, ring, and sandals, then kills the fattened calf for a celebration. The elder son, angry at the party, refuses to join. The father pleads with him, reminding him that all he has is already his and explaining, “We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15 is a heartfelt response to the grumblings of religious leaders about Jesus' association with sinners. Using three parables — The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son — Jesus profoundly illustrates God's unwavering love and joyous celebration over the repentance of a single sinner. Historical Context • Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:27), teaching about God’s kingdom. • Social tensions are high: tax collectors worked for Rome, seen as traitors; Pharisees pursued ritual purity. • Table fellowship signified acceptance; Jesus’ meals with sinners challenged boundaries (cf. Luke 5:29-32). Literary Flow and the Triple Parable • “Lost-Found-Rejoice” pattern repeats three times, each account intensifying in value: 1/100 sheep, 1/10 coins, 1/2 sons. • Movement is outward to inward: field, house, family heart. • Climactic shift: the third parable adds the elder brother, exposing self-righteous resentment. Shepherds and Sheep in First-Century Judea • A flock of one hundred was ordinary for a small community. • Sheep easily wander; shepherds bore personal responsibility (cf. Ezekiel 34:11-16). • Carrying a sheep on the shoulders illustrates tender care, echoed in Isaiah 40:11. Coins, Lamps, and Village Homes • The Greek drachma matched a Roman denarius—about a day’s pay (Matthew 20:2). • Peasant houses had few small windows; floors were beaten earth, making a lamp and sweeping necessary. • Wedding headdresses often contained ten coins; losing one carried emotional weight. Inheritance Practices and Family Honor • Under Deuteronomy 21:17 the elder son received a double portion. With two sons, the elder would claim two-thirds, the younger one-third. • Asking for the inheritance early implied wishing the father dead, a grave breach of honor. • Selling liquid assets into cash required converting land—shaming the entire household in village eyes. Pigs and Rock Bottom • Swine were unclean (Leviticus 11:7). Feeding pigs signals extreme degradation for a Jewish audience. • “He longed to fill his stomach with the pods” points to carob or locust beans, animal fodder. The Father’s Radical Response • Running—an older man lifting his robes—was undignified in Middle Eastern culture. • The father’s kiss and gifts (robe, ring, sandals) restore full sonship, not mere servanthood. • Ring signifies authority (Genesis 41:42); sandals mark free status (slaves went barefoot). The Elder Brother’s Complaint • His focus on duty (“I have served”) and lack of relationship mirrors the Pharisees’ stance in verses 1-2. • He refuses to address the prodigal as “brother,” saying “this son of yours” (v.30). The father counters, “this brother of yours” (v.32), inviting reconciliation. Old Testament Echoes • God seeks the lost sheep of Israel (Jeremiah 50:6). • Hosea’s portrayal of God yearning for wayward Israel parallels the father. • Jonah echoes the elder brother’s resentment when God shows mercy to Nineveh. New Testament Connections • Jesus calls Himself “the good shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). • Zacchaeus (Luke 19) illustrates the “found” tax collector. • Paul writes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Archaeological Insights • First-century Nazareth house excavations show single-room dwellings with packed-earth floors—perfect for losing a coin. • Shepherding tools found near Bethlehem include wooden flutes; communal search and celebration fit rural practice. • Ossuaries bearing family names confirm inheritance splits and estate sales in the Roman period. Key Lessons for Life Today 1. God actively pursues people who wander, not waiting for them to find their way back. 2. Heaven’s joy centers on repentance; celebrating restored lives is godly. 3. Self-righteous attitudes can distance the “obedient” from the Father’s joy even while they remain in His house. 4. True repentance involves admission of sin and return to relationship, not negotiation for wages. 5. The Father’s lavish grace covers shame and restores dignity—robe, ring, sandals have modern parallels in forgiveness, identity, and purpose. Simple Doctrinal Takeaways • God’s heart is to save, not to lose (2 Peter 3:9). • Repentance is turning from sin toward the Father’s embrace. • Believers are called to share in the Father’s joy, welcoming those who come home. Practical Steps to Imitate the Father’s Heart • Keep your eyes open for people on the margins, just as Jesus noticed tax collectors and sinners. • Initiate reconciliation; don’t wait. Make the first move, like the father running. • Celebrate spiritual victories publicly—your response models heaven’s joy. Scripture for Meditation “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Closing Thought Every lost sheep, coin, or son matters deeply to God. Joining His search-and-celebrate mission turns ordinary lives into accounts of heaven’s joy. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 23:1-4 The Lord as our Shepherd, guiding and restoring us. Ezekiel 34:11-16 God's promise to search for and care for His sheep. 2 Peter 3:9 God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance. Teaching Points The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7) Jesus begins with the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the shepherd's dedication to finding the one lost sheep out of a hundred. And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home (Luke 15:5-6). This illustrates God's personal care and joy in recovering the lost. The parable highlights the value of each individual to God and His willingness to go to great lengths to bring them back. The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) The woman who loses one of her ten silver coins diligently searches until she finds it, symbolizing God's thorough and persistent search for the lost. In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). This underscores the heavenly celebration over repentance. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) The account of the prodigal son illustrates the depth of God's forgiveness and the joy of reconciliation. The father's response to the returning son—running to him, embracing him, and celebrating his return—demonstrates God's unconditional love and readiness to forgive. The elder brother's reaction serves as a warning against self-righteousness and a reminder to share in God's joy over the repentant. Practical Applications Embrace God's Pursuit Recognize that God actively seeks out the lost and desires a relationship with each of us. Reflect on your own life and consider areas where you may have strayed, knowing that God is eager to welcome you back. Celebrate Repentance Rejoice with others when they turn back to God, understanding the immense joy it brings to the Father. Encourage and support those who are on their journey back to faith. Extend Grace and Forgiveness Follow the example of the father in the parable by offering forgiveness and grace to those who have wronged you. Avoid the trap of self-righteousness and cultivate a heart that mirrors God's love and compassion. People 1. Jesus The central figure in the chapter, Jesus is the one who tells the parables. He is addressing the Pharisees and scribes who are questioning His association with sinners. 2. Tax Collectors and Sinners These individuals are mentioned at the beginning of the chapter as those who were drawing near to Jesus to listen to Him. They represent the lost whom Jesus came to save. 3. Pharisees and Scribes These religious leaders are critical of Jesus for welcoming sinners. They represent the self-righteous who fail to understand God's grace. 4. Shepherd In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost. The shepherd symbolizes Jesus, who seeks out the lost. 5. Woman In the Parable of the Lost Coin, the woman diligently searches for her lost coin. She represents the diligent and persistent nature of God's search for the lost. 6. Younger Son (Prodigal Son) In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son squanders his inheritance but returns home repentant. He represents sinners who repent and return to God. 7. Father The father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son welcomes his repentant son with open arms. He symbolizes God the Father, who is loving and forgiving. 8. Older Son The older son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son is resentful of the father's forgiveness towards his brother. He represents those who are self-righteous and lack understanding of grace. Places 1. The Wilderness In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep in the open country or wilderness to find the one that is lost. The Greek term used here is "ἔρημος" (erēmos), which often refers to a deserted or solitary place. 2. The House In the Parable of the Lost Coin, the woman searches her house diligently to find the lost coin. The Greek word "οἰκία" (oikia) is used, meaning a dwelling or household. 3. A Distant Country In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son travels to a distant country where he squanders his inheritance. The Greek phrase "χώραν μακράν" (chōran makran) indicates a far-off land, emphasizing the son's separation from his home. 4. The Father's House The return of the prodigal son is to his father's house, symbolizing reconciliation and forgiveness. The father's house represents a place of belonging and acceptance. Events 1. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7) Jesus tells the parable of a shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost. Upon finding it, he rejoices greatly. This parable illustrates God's joy over one sinner who repents. The Greek word for "repent" is "μετανοέω" (metanoeō), which means to change one's mind or purpose. 2. The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) A woman loses one of her ten silver coins and diligently searches her house until she finds it. She then calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. This parable emphasizes the value of each individual to God and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. 3. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) A man has two sons. The younger son asks for his inheritance early, squanders it in a distant country, and ends up in poverty. He decides to return to his father, who welcomes him back with open arms and a celebration. The elder son, however, is resentful. This parable highlights themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the boundless grace of the Father. The Greek word for "compassion" used in verse 20 is "σπλαγχνίζομαι" (splanchnizomai), indicating deep, visceral compassion. Lessons from Luke 15 1. The Joy of Finding the Lost In Luke 15, Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Just as the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, God actively seeks out those who have strayed. "I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent" (Luke 15:7). This teaches us the immense value God places on each individual soul and the celebration that ensues when one returns to Him. 2. The Relentless Pursuit of God The parable of the lost coin illustrates God's relentless pursuit of us. The woman who loses one of her ten silver coins lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds it. "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). This story reminds us that God never gives up on us, no matter how lost we may feel. 3. The Power of Repentance The prodigal son’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of repentance. After squandering his inheritance, he returns to his father, who welcomes him with open arms. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). This illustrates that no matter how far we stray, God is always ready to forgive and restore us when we turn back to Him. 4. The Unconditional Love of the Father The father in the parable of the prodigal son represents God’s unconditional love. Despite the son’s mistakes, the father’s love remains steadfast. "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:24). This teaches us that God’s love is not based on our actions but on His nature as a loving Father. 5. The Danger of Self-Righteousness The elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son highlights the danger of self-righteousness. He becomes angry and refuses to join the celebration for his returning brother. "But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours, yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends’" (Luke 15:29). This warns us against pride and reminds us to rejoice in the repentance of others. 6. The Importance of Humility The prodigal son’s return is marked by humility. He acknowledges his wrongdoing and seeks his father’s forgiveness. "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Luke 15:21). This teaches us the importance of approaching God with a humble heart, recognizing our need for His grace. 7. The Celebration of Redemption Each parable in Luke 15 ends with a celebration, emphasizing the joy of redemption. Whether it’s the shepherd, the woman, or the father, each rejoices when what was lost is found. "Let us eat and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:23-24). This encourages us to celebrate the work of God in our lives and the lives of others. 8. The Call to Rejoice with Others The parables call us to rejoice with others in their moments of redemption. The community is invited to celebrate with the woman who finds her coin and the father who welcomes his son. "Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin" (Luke 15:9). This teaches us to share in the joy of others and support them in their spiritual journeys. 9. The Value of Every Soul Luke 15 underscores the value of every soul to God. Each parable highlights the lengths to which God will go to recover what is lost. "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4). This reminds us that every person is precious in God’s sight. 10. The Invitation to Return Home Ultimately, Luke 15 is an invitation to return home to God. Whether we identify with the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the prodigal son, the message is clear: God is waiting with open arms. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion" (Luke 15:20). This encourages us to take that step of faith, knowing that God’s love and forgiveness are always available. Topics 1. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7) This parable illustrates God's immense love and concern for every individual. Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost. The Greek word for "lost" (ἀπολωλός, apolōlos) emphasizes the state of being perished or destroyed, highlighting the urgency and importance of the shepherd's mission. The rejoicing over the found sheep symbolizes the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. 2. The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) In this parable, a woman diligently searches for a lost coin, representing the value God places on each person. The Greek term for "diligently" (ἐπιμελῶς, epimelōs) underscores the careful and thorough nature of the search. The celebration upon finding the coin parallels the heavenly joy over a sinner's repentance, emphasizing God's relentless pursuit of the lost. 3. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) This well-known parable depicts a father's unconditional love and forgiveness towards his wayward son. The term "prodigal" refers to the son's wasteful and reckless lifestyle. The Greek word for "compassion" (σπλαγχνίζομαι, splanchnizomai) used to describe the father's reaction upon seeing his son, conveys deep, heartfelt mercy. The father's acceptance and celebration upon the son's return illustrate God's grace and readiness to forgive those who repent. Themes 1. God's Pursuit of the Lost The chapter emphasizes God's active pursuit of those who are lost. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7). This reflects the Greek word "ζητέω" (zēteō), meaning to seek or search diligently, highlighting God's initiative in seeking sinners. 2. Joy in Repentance There is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, as illustrated in both the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:7, 10). The Greek word "μετάνοια" (metanoia) for repentance signifies a transformative change of heart, which brings joy to God and the heavenly hosts. 3. The Value of Each Individual Each person is valuable to God, as shown in the parables where the shepherd searches for one sheep and the woman searches for one coin (Luke 15:4-10). This underscores the intrinsic worth of every individual, regardless of their status or past actions. 4. Forgiveness and Restoration The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) highlights the themes of forgiveness and restoration. The father's willingness to forgive and restore his wayward son reflects God's readiness to forgive repentant sinners. The Greek word "ἀποκαθίστημι" (apokathistēmi) means to restore or reinstate, emphasizing the complete restoration offered by God. 5. The Danger of Self-Righteousness The elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son represents the danger of self-righteousness and lack of compassion (Luke 15:25-32). His attitude contrasts with the father's grace and highlights the Greek concept of "δικαιοσύνη" (dikaiosynē), or righteousness, which should be rooted in humility and love. 6. God's Unconditional Love The father's love for both his sons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates God's unconditional love for humanity (Luke 15:20-24, 31-32). This love is not based on merit but is freely given, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often translated as loving-kindness or steadfast love. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Relentless Love Thank God for His unending pursuit and love for each of us, even when we stray. Intercession for the Lost Pray for those who are lost or have wandered from the faith, asking God to draw them back to Him. A Heart of Forgiveness Ask God to help you cultivate a forgiving and compassionate heart, mirroring His love for others. Joy in Repentance Pray for a spirit of joy and celebration over the repentance and restoration of others, aligning your heart with God's. Answering Tough Questions 1. How historically plausible is it for a father to grant an early inheritance to a younger son, as described in Luke 15:11–12? 2. Why would a shepherd risk leaving ninety-nine sheep to fend for themselves just to find one, as stated in Luke 15:4? 3. Does Luke 15:7 imply that some souls are more celebrated than others, contradicting the idea of God’s impartiality? 4. Why does the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32 not address the older brother’s grievances more directly? 5. Is there any archaeological or historical evidence supporting the practices and details mentioned in the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8–10)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the parable of the lost sheep broaden our understanding of God's love for each individual? 2. What does the parable of the lost coin teach us about the value God places on each person? 3. In the parable of the prodigal son, what does the father's reaction reveal about God's mercy and forgiveness? 4. How do you identify with the prodigal son, the elder brother, or the father in your spiritual journey? 5. How does the elder brother's attitude challenge self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes in our communities? 6. What does the heavenly celebration over one sinner's repentance teach us about the importance of evangelism? 7. How can the father's actions in the parable of the prodigal son serve as a model for reconciliation and restoration in our relationships? 8. How do the actions of the shepherd and the woman searching for the lost sheep and coin respectively demonstrate diligence and dedication? 9. What insights from these parables can we apply to reach out to those considered 'lost' in our societies? 10. How can you help create an atmosphere of celebration when someone turns to God in your community? 11. How does Jesus' audience's grumbling reflect attitudes we might encounter when associating with marginalized or 'sinful' groups? 12. How do you perceive God's love and mercy as shown in these parables? 13. What measures can you take to avoid the elder brother's attitude in your spiritual journey? 14. How can the principle of rejoicing over a repentant sinner impact our approach to those struggling with sin in our communities? 15. How do these parables challenge societal norms and expectations of worth and value? 16. In what ways do these parables inspire us to persevere in prayer for the 'lost' in our lives? 17. How can we emulate the father's loving-kindness in the parable of the prodigal son in our dealings with others? 18. How do you reconcile the rejoicing over a repentant sinner with consequences they might face for past actions? 19. What steps can we take to ensure our churches or communities are places of welcome and celebration, akin to the father's house in the parable of the prodigal son? 20. How do these parables challenge our understanding and response to God's grace and mercy? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions