Will Branch unpacks three parallel parables from Luke 15:1-32 of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost sons.
SERMON OUTLINE
Who are the Lost?
- Pharisees: “Those people.”
- Tax Collectors and sinners: “Us people”
- Jesus: “All people.”
How to be found
- Pharisees: “I’m found because of my service.”
- Tax collectors and sinners: “I need to be found because of my actions.”
- Jesus: “I seek. The lost repent. There’s joy in heaven.”
What they conclude:
- Pharisees: “My service proves my worth.
- Tax Collectors and Sinners: “My actions changed my worth.”
- Jesus: “Your identity determines your worth.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to open up the Word to you as you study.
- Read Luke 15:1-2. Why do you suppose there are such different responses to Jesus?
- Read the rest of the chapter. Compare and contrast these stories.
- What is Jesus’ point with these stories?
- Who do each of the characters in the parables represent?
- Why is there more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than ninety-nine righteous people that don’t need to repentant?
- Read v. 11-12. Why do you suppose the father divided his wealth?
- Verse 17 says that the son came to his senses. What does that mean and what does it imply?
- Why do you think the son believed he had a chance to come back home after what he did?
- Read v. 25-31. Why did the older brother respond this way?
- What does this parable teach us about God? The Church? Ourselves?
- What are some takeaways from this passage?