Lesson 288: "Seek, Find and Bring them In"
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10)! The religious leaders of Jesus’ day could not understand why He did not pal around with them but instead seemed to prefer the people they looked down on and called unrighteous. The scribes and the Pharisees condemned Jesus (behind his back mostly) for eating with “sinners” and tax collectors (Mark 2:16-17). They considered tax collectors the worst of the worst but Jesus considered them “sick” and in dire need of a physician. This is why Jesus, “The Great Physician” came; however the religious leaders did not care enough for others to even introduce them to Jesus but they were always nearby to watch and criticize Him. How about you? Do you care enough for the lost to introduce them to Jesus? Jesus gave three parables to correct the Pharisees’ thinking that being ceremonially clean did not save them. These parables explain to Christians today the importance of reaching out to the lost and sharing the gospel.
The parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7): “Suppose a man had a hundred sheep but lost one of them? Then he would leave the ninety-nine and go in search of the one lost”. This lost sheep represents the person who gives no thought to life or eternity and wanders away from God. Just like the sheep he nibbles away with his head down, paying no attention to the pit-falls ahead and soon he is lost. For a shepherd to lose a sheep meant he would have to pay for it. Jesus has already paid for the world’s “lost sheep” but has appointed shepherds (you and I) to bring them into the fold. If you need a reminder of how God feels about “lazy shepherds”, read Ezekiel 34.
The parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10): “Suppose a woman had ten silver coins but lost one? She would light a lamp, sweep the house and look carefully until she found it”. The coin’s lost condition caused the coin no discomfort symbolizing the lost who are ignorant of their condition. Christians are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14) and through this light not only can we search for the lost but the lost can see their way to Jesus. To sweep your house clean to find what is lost (or to sweep the sin from a lost friend) is a good thing but remember to fill the “house/spirit/soul/heart/mind” with God (Luke 11:24-26). This is where discipleship comes in as we continue to teach the saved to follow Jesus (1 Tim. 4:13, 16). The last thing the woman did was to continue to search and likewise we should never cease to seek the Lord and His righteousness (Isa. 55:6, Deut. 4:29).
My favorite parable that Jesus told is the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32): The contrast between the two sons is the point of this story; one drifting far away from his father (the sinner) and the other trying to win his father’s favor through good works (the Pharisee). The younger son asked for his inheritance so he could go far away from the father’s watchful eye. Normally an estate was not divided among the heirs until the father was totally unable to manage or until he died. This son was in essence saying he did not trust his father to care for his needs or he was considering him dead to him. When the prodigal son returned home with nothing the father welcomed him with open, loving arms. This is true today? Sometimes we have had to hit rock bottom before we return to God who always welcomes us with loving, open arms. The father gave the son a robe (the son was being restored to son ship); a signet ring (union of father and son’s heart and sign of authority); shoes (only family members wore shoes).
He also gave a banquet. Jesus had previously spoken of a banquet to symbolize the coming Kingdom (Luke 13:29). Sinners (the son) were entering the Kingdom because they were coming to God out of the need to be forgiven. The angry attitude of the older son toward the younger prodigal son symbolized the Pharisees’ attitude toward sinners that Jesus associated with. They did not like the idea that “outsiders” were invited into the Kingdom. The older son refused to attend the feast the father gave for the younger son and the Pharisees refused to enter the Kingdom. Have you refused to “gather together” in worship or fellowship because you do not want to associate with someone you “think” is unworthy to be there? The son’s father pleaded with him to come to the banquet; THE Father pleads with everyone today to come to the Banquet (Rev. 19:9).
Notice at the end of each parable there was rejoicing because “that which was lost was found”! “In the way there is joy in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner changes his heart and life” (Luke 15:10). If we are to grow as a Christian Body of Christ we must find something to rejoice over. Seeking the lost and bringing them to Jesus is a time of great rejoicing. Let’s get to work!
prayers from Texas