In the chapter before, the Pharisees were happy to have the Lord Jesus eat with them, but they didn’t want Him to eat with publicans and sinners. They thought they were better than other people. The Lord knew their thoughts and told the parable about the 100 sheep. What a wonderful picture of His love in seeking those who were lost in their sins, dying for them and then bringing them home again!
Silver may be valuable, but it is lifeless. The lost piece of silver had to be found by the woman using a candle and a broom. Great was her joy in finding it, and so great is the joy in the presence of God over one sinner that repents.
The story of the prodigal (wasteful) son is well-known. Neither boy loved his father, and the youngest took his belongings and left home for a far country. When he came to poverty, he started to think about “home,” but would he be received back? He was even willing to be a servant. When his father saw him, he covered his son with kisses and ordered his servants to clothe his son and bring him into the house. As the elder son neared the house, he heard the music and dancing and asked what it all meant.
Do you not think that he would have been happy that his brother returned? No, the elder son was angry with his father and would not go in. Only those who confess that they have sinned will enter into heaven and share the Father’s joy.
1. If any of the Pharisees or scribes had 100 sheep and lost one of them, what would he do? __________ Luke 15:___
2. When the woman found her lost piece of silver, what did she want her neighbors to do? __________ Luke 15:___
3. What did the younger son do with his inheritance in that far country? __________ Luke 15:___
4. Name the three things that the father wanted to have put on his younger son when he returned. __________ Luke 15:___
5. The older brother was angry. With whom did he want to make merry? __________ Luke 15:___