The Lost Repenting & Heaven Rejoicing

Sermon 66 in Series

Luke 15:1-10

[1] Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. [2] And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

[3] So he told them this parable: [4] “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? [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ [7] Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

[8] “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? [9] And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ [10] Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (ESV)

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Why do you think Leon Morris calls Luke 15 “one of the best-loved chapters in the whole Bible”? What familiarity do you have with these parables?
2.  Who are these “tax collectors and sinners” who are coming to Jesus? How is this evidence of the big reversal that we’ve talked about in Jesus’ ministry?
3.  Why are the Pharisees grumbling, and where have we seen this before in Luke? How does their mindset serve as a warning to us?
4.  What is the main point of these two short parables? How do they reshape your attitude towards the lost?
5.  What does this passage show us about the Lord? How does it highlight his sovereignty and grace?
6.  What is Jesus’ view of sin, sinners, and self-righteousness? How does he contrast with the Pharisees?
7.  How does this passage reassure and mobilize the Christian? How does it function as a reality check?

References: Matthew 21:23-32 (corporate reading); Luke 3:12-13; Matthew 21:31; Luke 5:27-32; 7:36-50; 18:9; 1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 13:9, 25, 35; 14:24; 19:10; John 6:44; Romans 5:8.