*Luke 15:1-10
Jesus emphasizes God’s joy over finding the lost through parables of a shepherd and a woman searching for a missing treasure.
- Context:
- Jesus is teaching, and tax collectors and sinners gather around to listen.
- The Pharisees and teachers of the law criticize Jesus for welcoming and eating with sinners.
- Parable of the Lost Sheep:
- Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves his flock of ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost.
- Once he finds the lost sheep, he joyfully places it on his shoulders and returns home.
- He calls his friends and neighbors together to celebrate the recovery of the lost sheep.
- Jesus explains that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.
- Parable of the Lost Coin:
- Jesus shares another story about a woman with ten silver coins who loses one.
- She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and diligently searches until she finds the missing coin.
- Once she recovers it, she invites her friends and neighbors to celebrate with her.
- Jesus emphasizes that there is great joy among the angels over one sinner who repents.
15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
15:3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 15:4 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? 15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
15:6 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.
15:7 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.
15:8 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? 15:9 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.
15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.