Lesson 4406

 Lesson 4406)(02-24-24) Luke 15:1-10 

“en drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” 

 

Today’s quote contains two parables that Jesus related in response to criticism from Pharisees and scribes who resented the fact that He had kept company with sinners. The first parable is about a shepherd who left his ninety-nine sheep to search for just one that is lost. When he found it, he joyfully carried it home and called for a celebration with friends and neighbors. The second parable described a woman who had lost one of her ten silver coins. Knowing the other nine were safely tucked away, she diligently searched her house until she found the one that was missing. When she found it, she invited friends and neighbors to celebrate with her because she had found her lost money. Both parables concluded with a statement about the joy in heaven over the one sinner who turned to God being greater than it was over the ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (in the case of the lost sheep) and joy among the angels of God over one sinner who repents (for the lost coin). These stories emphasize God's love for the lost and the value of repentance.”