God’s Love for the Lost (Luke 15:1-10)

At the end of chapter 14, Luke records Jesus proclaiming: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 14:35). Then, as chapter 15 begins, we read that “tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him,” but “the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled” (Luke 15:1-2). This is the context for the following three parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—and the key for understanding their meaning. The religious elite were appalled at the fact that Jesus was associating with such unworthy sinners, yet Jesus came not only to eat with them but to save them. In this sermon, Pastor Dave begins to unpack this famous trio of parables, revealing the great love and grace of God our Savior who sent his Son to seek and save that which was lost.