Commentaries:
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Luke 15:3-7
In a similar parable in Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus describes God's care over the least and little ones. In this parable in Luke, He magnifies divine grace to the lost, showing that God desires their recovery and salvation. The Bible contains many prophetic references to the One who would be the Ideal Shepherd (Psalm 23:1), the Perfect Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:11-16), and a Savior who would see the multitudes as sheep having no shepherd or, even worse, a worthless shepherd (Zechariah 11:16-17). Christ claims for Himself the title of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14). In Luke's illustration, Jesus seeks the lost sheep, sinners who desire to change because the Good Shepherd gives His life for those who repent. He desires to save them, give them His Holy Spirit, and help them through a life of overcoming that ends in eternal life.
Martin G. Collins
Parables of Luke 15 (Part One)Related Topics: Jesus as Companion to Sinners | Jesus Christ as Savior | Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd | Jesus Christ as the Great Shepherd | Jesus Christ as the Ideal Shepherd | Jesus Christ as the Perfect Shepherd | Lost Sheep | Parable of the Lost Sheep | Sheep | Sheep as Metaphor | Shepherd | Shepherd as Metaphor | Shepherd, Worthless | Worthless Shepherd
Luke 15:3-7
This parable results from a statement made by the scribes and Pharisees, "This man receives sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:2). As the end of Jesus' public ministry neared, the downtrodden, the despised, the lowly, and the sinful were drawn to Him. They were sincere in their desire to be raised out of their poor condition and genuine in their desire to follow Him, and He publicly identified Himself with them. Unlike the Pharisees, these sinners knew they were sinners and needed to be saved (see Psalm 119:176).
By this parable, the Pharisees stood condemned, and so they found fault with the godly work Jesus Christ was doing. Their criticism implied that Christ allowed these sinners in His presence because He was like them in character. They never understood that He allowed them in His presence to save them from their sins, as Ezekiel had prophesied (Ezekiel 34:11, 16).
Martin G. Collins
Parables of Luke 15 (Part One)Related Topics: Forgiveness, Consciousness of | Forgiveness, Desire for | Jesus as Companion to Sinners | Parable of the Lost Sheep | Pharisees
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