READ ALL OR PARTS OF LUKE 15 FROM YOUR BIBLE OR WATCH THE BIBLE STORY VIDEO.

DISCUSSION: What is something you have recently lost?

If you’re like me, even when the thing that is lost isn’t that important I still feel so glad when I find it – this can help us understand Jesus’ parables.

STORY: According to a survey, the average American spends 60 hours (or two and a half days) each year looking for lost items. The item lost most often is the TV remote. Did you check under the couch cushion? The Bible says that Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost,” but Scripture isn’t talking about a lost TV remote! Jesus came to save people who are lost. To be lost means to not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. This means that every one of us is born lost and desperately in need to be found by Jesus. This week, we learned about the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of lost coin, and the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Each of these parables show us God’s love for people who are lost. The parables teach us how much God wants to bring lost people back to Himself. In fact, God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus into the world on a rescue mission to save sinners and offer forgiveness to anyone who believes in Him.

QUESTION: Who was Jesus telling these stories to?

ANSWER: The answer is in the beginning of Matthew chapter 15 – “¹Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. ² And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”



QUESTION: A close follow up question – which audience were the stories for, the shunned tax collectors and sinners, or the Pharisees and scribes?

ANSWER: Both, Jesus is concerned about the far-off sinner who has either wandered from faithfulness or has yet to taste and see the goodness of God. But He is also concerned with the outwardly righteous, inwardly sinful Christians who consider themselves deserving of the grace of God. Both are in great need of the love of God.

WORK ON MEMORIZING OUR SCRIPTURE VERSE!

Jesus,

You are the Miracle Worker. You have healed the sick, made the blind to see, and fed thousands with just loaves and fish. We see Your power through these miracles, but more importantly we see Your love for the people who received these miracles. Thank You for giving Your life to provide salvation to all who believe in You.

AMEN