In Luke 15 Jesus teaches us 3 parables concerning that which was lost: Sheep (1–7); Coin (8–10); Son (11–32). In placing them together Jesus gives us 3 different ways to bring back 3 different types of lost souls.
What do all 3 parables have in common? They CELEBRATE a VALUABLE lost SOUL being rescued. They also place an obligation on each of us to save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).
The lost sheep is a person who has wandered from THE BODY. This individual knows what they have done is wrong and is simply waiting for one of us to go out and gently “snatch them in pity from sin and the grave”.
Lost coin is a person who is unaware that they are lost. Our role is to make them aware of the need that they have not acknowledged in their heart. To such a person I would say: “Have you ever wondered what that emptiness inside of you is all about.”
And finally, the prodigal son is someone who knows they are lost and do not want to come back. For such an individual you either need to wait for them to hit rock bottom or ask God to bring tragedy into their life.
Friend, will you be part of experiencing the angels rejoicing this Lord’s Day? Luke 15:10 (ESV) — 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
