Lost Sheep

When scribes and Pharisees complained that tax-collectors and sinners flocked to Jesus, he told them a parable about sheep.

Luke 15:1-7

• “Which of you…?” By appealing to their own lives, Jesus easily migrates to a discussion of heaven.
• No businessman relishes the loss of 1% of his business.
• Once he has secured the remaining 99% he will attempt recovery of the lost. Even if it means cold, sleepless nights alone.
• But once he has regained the lost 1%, oh what joy!
• Can you hear him “rejoicing”, “boasting” to his friends of the result of his industry?
• So likewise there is great joy in heaven over a single repentant sinner.

Meditation Points:

1. Shall we place blame for the lost sheep, or shall we say that the sheep just wandered off?
2. What kind of businessman would stand by and do nothing when he sees his inventory decreasing ever so slightly? Note that this shepherd is well aware of how many are in his flock and how many there should be.
3. Heaven rejoices over a repentant sinner. Not a self-reforming religionist.

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A message for the multitude

Three “ifs” and three examples. What do they mean?

Luke 14:25-35

• If #1: If you don’t hate your family you cannot be a disciple of Christ (v. 26).
• If #2: If you don’t bear your cross and follow Jesus, you cannot be his disciple (v. 27).
• If #3: If you don’t forsake all that you have, you cannot be a disciple of Christ (v. 33).
• Example #1: Count the cost of any project before beginning it (v. 28-30).
• Example #2: Don’t enter a war that you cannot win (v. 31-32).
• Example #3: Tasteless salt is worthless (V. 34-35).

  Do you have ears that hear? (v. 35).

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A message for one of the guests

Jesus addressed all of the guests, some of the guests, and the host. Today we find his message for one guest in particular, though the lesson is for all.

Luke 14:15-24

• Often a comment from someone else leads Jesus to teach a parable. This parable of the wedding supper is birthed in the guest’s comment about blessedness of the one who eats in the kingdom. Jesus therefore teaches about who that may (and may not) be.
• A man plans a great supper, and sends out invitations for the, as yet, unscheduled event. How often have we said “I’ll be there” not knowing all that was involved?
• At the time of the supper, a messenger was sent to tell the invitees that the time had come (v. 17).
• Three excuses stand out: a real estate purchase, a real property purchase, a marriage (v. 18-20).
• Who would buy real estate without first seeing the land?
• Who would buy work animals without knowing that they could do the work?
• How many men blame their wives for social calendar conflicts?
• The angry master instructed his servant to invite the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind of the city to come (v. 21).
• When more room existed, the master orders his servant to go outside the city and compel others to come (v. 23).
• The lesson: NONE of those originally invited (ie. all those who made excuse) will enter the supper (v. 24).

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Messages for the guests and for the host

Although not everyone had violated protocol, everyone needed to be reminded of the principle of humility.

Luke 14:7-11 — for the guests

• Have you ever sat at the wrong table? Jesus noticed that at this dinner many (far too many) of the guests were trying, intentionally, to sit at the head table(s) (v. 7).
• Jesus counseled against this practice, warning of the embarrassment that might result (v. 8-9).
• To the contrary, Jesus counseled that one choose a less significant place and be delighted when asked to move to a better table (v. 10).
• The principle? Exalt yourself and be abased; humble yourself and be exalted (v. 11).

Luke 14:12-14 — for the host

• Whom should you invite to dinner?
• Jesus counseled not to invite one’s friends, brethren, kinsmen, or rich neighbors who can reciprocate (v. 12).
• To the contrary, one should invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind who cannot reciprocate. But God will (v. 13-14).

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