Lighthouse scribes

Matthew 18:11-14, Luke 15
The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, as found in Matthew 18 and Luke 15, beautifully illustrate God’s relentless pursuit of the lost and the profound joy that accompanies their return.

While I’ll summarize the texts below, it’s important that you read them, yourself.

The Lost Sheep

A man owns a hundred sheep, and one goes astray. His immediate response is to leave the ninety-nine and search diligently for the lost one. Upon finding it, he joyfully lifts it onto his shoulders and carries it home. Arriving home, he throws a celebratory party, inviting his neighbors and friends to rejoice with him over the recovery of his lost sheep.

The Lost Coin

A woman possesses ten silver coins but loses one. She lights a lamp and meticulously searches every corner of her home until she finds it. When the coin is found, she too hosts a celebratory gathering, inviting her neighbors and friends to share in her joy.

The Lost Son

A father has two sons. The younger son demands his inheritance before his father’s death. The father grants his request, and the son leaves for a distant land, squandering his wealth on a wild lifestyle. Eventually, he runs out of money, coinciding with a severe famine in the land. Despite finding work, he can’t afford food. One day, he remembers that his father’s servants always have more than enough to eat. He decides to return home, hoping to secure a servant’s position in his father’s household.
While he is still far off, his father recognizes him, runs to him, and embraces him warmly. The son repents, asking to be treated as a servant rather than a son. In response, his father immediately begins to organize a grand celebration for his return, declaring that his lost son is found. He has him clothed in fine garments and throws a party for the entire household to celebrate.

The Other Lost Son

Meanwhile, the older son has been working in the field. He hears the sounds of celebration from afar, and a servant explains what’s happening. He becomes angry and refuses to join the festivities. He complains that he has served his father faithfully for many years without ever receiving a party, yet his brother, who lived a reckless life, is being welcomed home with a lavish celebration.
To allay his concerns, his father reminds him that he is always with him and that everything the father has is his. He then explains the profound importance of celebrating the younger brother’s return.

The Essence of God’s Heart

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost, and there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

The combination of these verses from Matthew’s account of the lost sheep and Luke’s parable of the lost son perfectly encapsulates the essence of these stories.
The Pharisees and religious leaders constantly questioned Jesus’ association with “publicans” or “sinners.” However, Jesus wasn’t endorsing a sinful lifestyle, just as the father wasn’t glorifying his wild son. Jesus wasn’t preaching what was comfortable for the conscience of sinners but what would truly redeem them from sin.
These parables teach us a crucial truth: every life is important to God. It doesn’t matter if there are ninety-nine who are safe or nine who are secure; God diligently seeks the lost one. In Jesus, God did everything necessary to bring the lost home.
Furthermore, Heaven throws a joyful celebration every time a person submits their life to God. The level of joy isn’t based on an individual’s social status. God rejoices over the beggar just as much as over the wealthiest person. This should make us reconsider the importance we often place on wealth and social standing, recognizing them as our own human shortcomings.
If financial concerns prevent you from engaging in soul-winning, you’re missing the point. Similarly, if you make money the primary factor in the work of winning souls, you’re also mistaken. God has already accomplished the work of salvation. Our remaining task is to invite people to experience the abundant life we have in Christ. This isn’t to say we shouldn’t contribute our resources towards evangelism; rather, the most vital resource is us and our personal testimony. We cannot substitute ourselves in the Great Commission with money.

Finally, many of us have become like the older, “other” lost son. We are “at home” with our Father, yet we’ve forgotten what it truly means to be His child. We mistakenly believe we can earn His favor through our service, working tirelessly in the hope of being “noticed.” May I remind you that while we serve in our Father’s kingdom, we do so because we love him, and we want to be a part of his business. We are first and foremost sons of God, and the profound implications of this truth must never be overshadowed by anything else. All that the Father has is ours, and Jesus died precisely to make us His beloved children.

I hope you’ve been reading the parables in the Bible and gleaning God’s message to us. Until the next post…

Love,

Osi