Luke 15
Parallel Accounts
Matthew 18:10-14 is parallel to 15:1-7
The rest of chapter 15 is unique material to Luke.
Context
- Luke is presenting this material in the context of Jesus traveling to Jerusalem.
- Jesus is criticized for eating with “tax collectors and sinners”
Luke’s reason for recording
- Jesus responds to his critics and reveals (again) the reason he came and was ministering to such people.
- Luke shows a stark contrast between the Pharisees and Jesus in attitude toward “sinners.”
- Luke again stresses the universal nature of Jesus’ mission and God’s love for mankind.
Tax collectors and sinners
- Telones
- Bought from Rome the right to collect taxes, customs and/or tolls.
- Seen as Roman collaborators.
- Many exacted more than Rome demanded making themselves rich at the expense of fellow Jews.
- Hamartolos
- From Greek hamartano which means to “miss the mark.”
- People who clearly lived lives in violation of the law.
- People who had incurable diseases.
- Pharisees saw both groups as being abandoned by God and beyond redemption.
Parables of the Lost Sheep and Coin
- The main point of these two parables is to show that no one is beyond redemption.
- They both paint a picture of a loving God who actively seeks the lost (sinners).
- Both express the joy of God and heaven at the redemption of sinners and stress the importance of Jesus’s mission.
Parable of the Prodigal Son
- This parable stresses the fact that God does not force the lost to accept salvation.
- Those who are lost view the world as theirs to do with what they want to gain for themselves.
- They “squander” what they have been given on living that produces nothing of any substantial importance.
- Through various circumstances God enables the sinner to choose to humble themselves and submit to him.
The Big Picture
- This parable reveals that God does most of the work when it comes to salvation.
- Our job is to either accept or reject.
Transformation Expectation
- Christians should never discount anyone from being able to submit to God and receive salvation.
- Christians should dedicate themselves to the work of Jesus in searching for the lost and providing opportunity for salvation.