[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15
Bible Verse:
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7)
“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
“The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.” (Luke 15:12)
“ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.” (Luke 15:18-20)
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:31)
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP (vs. 1-7)
A man owns 100 sheep but one is lost. He left the 99 and go out to search. When he found it, he calls his friends and neighbor to rejoice with him.
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COINS (vs. 8-10)
A woman had 10 silver coins and lost one. She lighted a lamp to search careful until she found it. And when she found it, she calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her.
THE PARABLE OF A LOST SON (vs. 11-32)
A man has two sons. The younger one got his share of property and left. He squandered his wealth with wild living and became a beggar. When there was a severe famine, he was very hungry and worked as a pig feeder. Then, he came to senses and decided to return home and asked forgiveness from his father. When his father saw him from afar, he had compassion and embraced him. He put on him the best robe, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. He served the fattened calf in a feast celebration.
When the older son noticed the celebration of his brother’s return he was angry and refused to join. He blamed his father for unfairness because he was obedient to his father by staying with him but his father never gave him a feast. His father’s reply was: “My son, you are always with me and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and found” (v. 31)
LESSON:
- The parable of the Lost Sheep showed that sheep are foolish animals and usually go astray. We also are like sheep that often go stray. But Jesus still wants us to find us and bring us home.
- The parable of the Lost Coin teaches us that the woman lost a coin because of carelessness. Sometimes, we are careless in our lives and alienate from God. But like th coins, we are stamped with the image of God that needs to get back into circulation. God dos not stop looking until he finds you.
- The Parable of the Lost Son teaches us that no matter hos sinful we are, God is extending His arms to welcome us back. All we need is to repent and ask for forgiveness. He is a compassion Lord waiting for you.
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