Focus before you read…
Luke 15 reminds us of God’s heart towards the unsaved, sinful world. He places great value on seeking after the lost, those individuals who are separated from God and need to hear the “good news” of Jesus. As you read today’s passage, notice where Jesus focuses His attention and where he instructs His followers to focus our hearts and actions towards others.
Questions to ask as you read…
- What is the key take-away from the three parables that Jesus teaches in Luke 15:4-7, 5-9, 11-31?
- What do you think was the attitude of the Pharisees towards “sinners” based on the description in Luke 15:2? Is this a problem in today’s church?
- What does it mean to “leave the ninety-nine… and go after the lost sheep” in Luke 15:4?
- How does the phrase “light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully” in Luke 15:8 apply to us and our interactions with others?
- What can we learn about the choices that people make from the story of the younger son in Luke 15:13-20?
- What is the significance of the gifts and celebration for the lost son detailed in Luke 15:22-24? How does this apply today?
Application to make after you read…
God’s love for lost men is great. In Luke 15:2, we see an attitude emerging from the teachers of the Law that sinners are to be avoided. Jesus corrects their thinking by sharing three parables. We learn from these parables that we are to love and actively seek after the lost people that God has put in our lives and to rejoice and celebrate when they chose to follow Jesus Christ. We see in Luke 15:13-20 that people will make poor choices and that the consequences sometimes can be great. The father’s tenderhearted attitude towards a repentant son culminated in a celebration of the son’s return.
Do you realize that God has placed you where you are today (your neighborhood, place of employment, etc.) to help deliver the “good news” to the unsaved people that encounter each day? These people can learn of God’s love and grace through your practical help, words of encouragement, and testimony of God’s work and faithfulness in your life. Is your attitude toward them that of judgment and disdain or love, grace and tenderness? Are you avoiding these people or embracing the opportunity to be used of God to positively influence them for Christ? Identify the individuals in your life who need the Lord, seek and pray for God’s wisdom on what He would have you do, and take an active step in faith to seek after them today!
