Jim Gallagher

Luke 15:2
“This Man receives sinners . . .”

Man lives as though God and eternity are a mystery. Even before I became a Christian, I had heard the pseudo–verse, “God works in mysterious ways.” Here, in Luke 15, the mysterious ways of God are revealed. We see clearly how he feels about the lost, as well as what He does about it.

Jesus tells three stories, and in each one, He is played by a different character. In the first, He is the man who has a lost sheep and leaves all He has to find it. In the second, He is played by the woman who searches diligently to find the one lost coin. Finally, in the third, He is played by the father who patiently waits, while his son wastes his life. We see clearly the heart of God toward the lost and wayward. He willingly gave up all, clothed Himself in humanity, to seek and save the lost.

The message is clear. If you are wayward, come back to Him. He loves you and wants to forgive you. If someone you love is wayward, express to them the same loving grace that the father showed his son, as you pray and await their return.

Pastor Jim

Questions For Luke 15

1. Who came to “draw near” to Jesus to hear Him?
2. In the next parable, what item does Jesus use to illustrate a lost sinner?
3. What happens in Heaven when a sinner repents?
4. Who are the main characters in the next parable?
5. In your own words describe the father’s heart for the son that returned.
6. Was the older brother happy for the younger brother’s return?
7. Now describe the father’s heart for the older son who questioned his father.
8. All three parables were spoken to the ones who drew near to hear Jesus. They were the tax collectors and sinners. Remember, they were the lowest of the low in society. Take a moment to consider what they were feeling as Jesus told them these stories. PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS HEART OF COMPASSION FOR SINNERS!!!!!!