Luke 15:1-10 (NRSV)
15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 So he told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness 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 and rejoices. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ 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 of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully 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 in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Devotional Thought:
In these two very familiar parables it is important to remember why Jesus told these two stories. The religious leaders were grumbling that Jesus was associating with sinners and eating meals with them. In response to this criticism, Jesus tells the story of the lost sheep and the lost coin. The focus of the story is not on how the sheep and coin were lost, but the efforts made to find them. In fact, Jesus says, “Who wouldn’t go out and search diligently?” The implication is clear. Jesus, by connecting with ‘sinners’ was seeking the lost in the anticipation of returning at least one to the safety of the covenantal relationship with God. This was his priority.
How often do we as Christians seek to insulate ourselves from those who have yet to meaningfully encounter the Risen Christ? We get so involved in our church life and talking amongst ourselves we have neither time nor inclination to get involved with those outside of the faith. Rather than be tainted by the ‘lostness’ of others outside of the faith (as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day supposed) Jesus seeks to identify with these to ‘infect’ them with the seeking grace of God. The story of the lost sheep and coin emphasises the diligence and tenacity of the one searching. Never give up! Let’s break out of our insular religious world and create hospitable moments of connection.
The story doesn’t stop there. There is a great celebration at the lost being found! Our task is to relentlessly nurture relationships with those who have yet to find a life-changing relationship with a pursuing God. Then, enjoy the party with all the heavenly hosts as God’s seeking grace becomes God’s saving grace in yet another divine encounter.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for never giving up on your seeking those who have yet to find a saving relationship with you. Help me today to relentlessly nurture hospitable relationships with those different to me, that I can join you in pursuing the lost. Grant me courage to ‘infect’ those around me with your grace and love in ways that make a difference. May your joy be my strength this day. I pray this is the name of your son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Bruce Allder
Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology