In the 15th chapter of Luke Jesus is having a meal with a group that is described by the Pharisees as "tax collectors and sinners. " These are the lowest of the low. In response to the grumbling of the Pharisees Jesus tells three stories. The first is about a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep behind to find one lost lamb, the second is about a woman who looses a coin and tears her house apart until she finds it, the third is a story that we call the "Prodigal Son."

Over the next few weeks we will take apart these stories and look deeply into what Jesus is saying about those who are lost and those who are searching.