Lost And Found Series

Lost and Found  

Luke 15

Introduction:

Getting lost is not as easy as it used to be! Global Positioning System (GPS) on most of our phones will direct us anywhere we want to go. Have you ever been using GPS and driving through a cow pasture wondering if you’re doing it right? Reading maps a lost art! Even so, getting lost in life is as easy as it’s ever been. Getting lost is easy, coming to your senses is hard, finding your way home is worth it. 

Last week we saw the broken heart of Jesus lamenting over those who were welcomed to come to God, but they would not. In Luke 15 he turns his attention to the lost, wandering, wayward, and broken - those who are seeking a new life. Luke 15:1-2 “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.”

What does Jesus have to say to the traitors, sinners, Pharisees, and Teachers of the Law? He tells them four stories. 

1. The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)

Luke 15:3-7

Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 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.

This story seems illogical - leaving the 99 to chase the one!

This story seems unfair - the 99 need a shepherd too!

This story seems essential - for the lost one - for you and me.

This story tells of the marvelous grace of God’s grace - unearned love for the unworthy!

The lost sheep is found and put on the shoulder of the Shepherd for the journey home. Everyone can celebrate that!

2. The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)

Luke 15:8-10

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The One Coin was important to the woman. A day’s wages. Perhaps it is her rent, or a savings for something she really needs. You’ve lost things before and it is frustrating!

The lost coin is found in the last place the woman looked. Isn’t that the way it always is?

In the end, that which is lost has been found, everyone can celebrate that ending!

Jesus is not really talking about sheep and coins, he is talking about people - and God’s willingness to search for us when we are lost… but the story that cuts to the heart is the next one.

3. The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-24).

Luke 15:11-24

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “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. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “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. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.