SERMON  |  Luke 15:1-32  -  "Lost & Found"  by Rev. Joseph Sanford

Given at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN on March 27, 2022.  Visit our website at sellersburgumc.com to learn more about our church and its ministries.

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Understanding the message behind Luke 15 requires us to pan back and see the larger scene which started a couple chapters prior.  Jesus is calling disciples to move beyond the conventional understandings of shame and honor.  He critiques the religious leaders of the day who are playing power games and grumbling about Jesus fully welcoming sinners to his table.

By learning the message Jesus carries in regards to the dilemma of his day, we can bring it forward to the dilemma in our own.

By foregoing the desire to operate on conventional wisdom, we are freed to recognize the rebirth all around us--to join in the celebration.

It is right to celebrate when something that was lost has been found.

Will we let go of what we think we know?

Will we let go of ourselves?

Will we celebrate?