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October 27th

The bible reading today is in Luke chapters 14 and 15.

The podcast today will come from one of my top two or three messages of Jesus to his disciples and the scribes and Pharisees.

It’s about “mercy” for “sinners and the “joy of God” in saving them. It reaches my heart in two simple ways. First: I’m a great sinner in need of the forgiveness of God...just as seen in the parables today.

And Secondly: Upon being saved through the gracious and merciful life and work of Christ, I’ve been commissioned by Christ to seek the lost for their salvation...and get in on the joy of heaven when sinners turn to Christ.

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:1-2‬ ‭

This man, Jesus, receives sinners and eats with them. The scribes and Pharisees took exception to Christ keeping company with tax collectors and sinners. They especially were offended with this rabbi’s practice of sitting down with them around his table fellowship...signifying the good news of grace.

Jesus tells these religious Jewish leaders three parables to defend his table fellowship with sinners.

First the parable of the lost sheep. A story from a man’s world...“What “man” of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:4‬

The shepherd is responsible for the care of the sheep. Each one is valuable to him. Each one is important to him. So the shepherd goes after the lost one. And upon finding the lost sheep, he calls his friends and neighbors together to rejoice with him.

I like what Thomas Schreiner wrote...”The earthly joy over finding the lost sheep reflects the joy in heaven over a sinner who repents. Since the Pharisees and scribes were not rejoicing but grumbling over Jesus’ table fellowship with sinners, they were not mirroring God’s attitude toward those who repent.” ....a story with a punch to the loveless religious elite.

The next parable addresses the world of women...“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:8‬

The woman searched high and low for the lost coin. When the coin was discovered, she called her friends and neighbors to join her in celebration.

What is this parable a reflection of?. ”The joy of God” over sinners turning from their sins and believing Him. God pursues sinners. He pursued me when I was lost and He found me and saved me from my sins.

Romans 10:21...”But of Israel, he says...” All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”...entreating them to return. Instead of longing for the repentance of sinners, the Pharisees grumbled about the conversion of these sinners and tax collectors who came to the table fellowship of Jesus.

O friends, when was the last time we invited lost sinners to eat with us and fellowship with Jesus? Too long for me...keep reminding us of that Carl...individually and as Missional Communities.

The final parable in this chapter is the story of the prodigal son and his father and his older brother.

“And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And the father divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:11-13‬ ‭

The prodigal son had no love and respect for his father. It would be fine with him if his dad died so that he could get his part of the inheritance. The father gave him his share. And he left home and wasted his inheritance on wicked living.

The young rebellious son came to his senses. And went back home to his father in humble repentance. He knew he would have to admit his sins and beg for forgiveness. His father said, “this my son was dead and is now alive...he was lost but now he is found”.... put a robe on him...put my ring on his finger...kill a fattened calf for a feast...and invite all the neighbors to celebrate with us....my younger son has returned safely...there had to be a party...his prodigal son has been spiritually saved.

O what a picture of how our God responds to sinners who come home to Him.

Bask in it, friends. That’s our salvation party. Our God presses his gracious lips upon our necks. Our Savior wraps his merciful arms around our shoulders and pulls us close...close to Him at the party table of his fellowship...this is my son, my daughter who once was dead but now is alive with me.

What a party for sinners who turn to Christ. Awesome. No grumbling here!

Have a great day