Lost & Found
Luke 15
Mark Spurlock
Part of Truth Stories—Parables of Jesus
July 24, 2022

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Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” Luke 15:3-4

“And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:5-7

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one…” (Luke 15:8-10)

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons…” (Luke 15:11-16)

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.” Luke 15:17-20a

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20b
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” Luke 15:21

“But 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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:22-24

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in.” Luke 15:28a

“So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’” Luke 15:28b-30

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Luke 31-32

THOUGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

God could not love you

Reveal Answer
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And nothing you ever do will cause Him to love you

Reveal Answer
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Please read Luke 15:1-2. What type of people were typically drawn to Jesus? Why do you think that is?
  2. Please read Luke 15:3-10. Jesus told the grumbling Pharisees a parable about a lost sheep and another about a lost coin. What is God concerned about? What do we learn about His heart for people? What is the joy experienced in being found and what is the joy experienced in the finding of the lost?
  3. Please read Luke 15:11-32. How does the father’s response to both of his sons reflect the heart of God for us?
  4. What do you believe about God’s reaction to your mistakes, failures, and times of rebellion? Do you tend to draw near to Him or stay away until you can clean up my act?

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