Day 27- Lost and Found

Jesus continues to teach through parables. This time He tells a story about the heart of the Father towards those who are lost. No matter how far the son has wandered, or how much he has rejected the kindness and blessings of the Father, He waits for His return with love in His eyes, forgiveness on His lips, and the firm embrace of outstretched arms.

READ: Luke 15:11-32; 16:1-31; 17:1-10

Major Events

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15)
The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15)
The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15)
Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16)
The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16)

Major Topics

Pharisees
Scribes
Parable
Sinner
Repentance
Reconciliation
Heaven
Righteous
Angels
Forgiveness
Salvation
Wealth
Greed
Jealousy
Judging others
Stewardship
Abraham's bosom
Hades
Stumbling blocks/offense
Faith

Video

Luke 15

Luke 16

Luke 17

Key Verses & Words

The Story

Luke 16:14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him.

The Teachings of Jesus

Luke 15:7 "...there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15:10 "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luke 15:24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' ...
Luke 15:31-32 "And he said to him, 'Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 'But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'"
Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.
Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
Luke 17:3-4 "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 "And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him."
Luke 17:5-6 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6 And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you.

Questions for Reflection

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15)

In what ways do we go astray?
In what situations are you most tempted to stray away from God?

The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15)

What can we learn from God from this parable?
What does God consider important?
When can you thank God this week for His patience and persistence in restoring you to Him? How?

The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15)

How have you been like the prodigal son in this story?
When have you been like the older brother?
How have you personally experienced the forgiving love of the Father?
What does this parable reveal to you about the Lord's love?

Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16)

Why is it so hard to keep a proper perspective on money?
How do you think God wants you to change the way you handle your money?
How can you become more trustworthy in handling the money and things that God has given you?
What can you do to demonstrate your devotion to the Lord?

The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16)

What do you think prevents people from accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ?
What could you do to be less concerned with earthly things and more devoted to things that have eternal value?
How can we gain confidence in our eternal security?

Digging Deeper

Chuck Smith commentary Luke 14-15, Luke 16-17
David Guzik commentary Luke 15, Luke 16, Luke 17

Curious Christians

What is Abraham's Bosom?

Jesus told a story of a rich man and Lazarus who each died. Lazarus went to a place of paradise called "Abraham's bosom" and the rich man went to a place of torment that was separated from Abraham' bosom by a vast gulf. How does this story factor into our understanding of heaven and hell? Click here.

Living the Lesson

Here is where the Holy Spirit has opportunity to bring great revelation and transformation in your life--in reflection and obedience to what you have been reading and studying in God's Word today. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can respond in obedience to the devotion today. Use the following acronym to prompt you.

Is there a...

SIN to confess?
PROMISE to claim?
ATTITUDE to change?
COMMAND to obey?
EXAMPLE to follow?
PRAYER to pray?
ERROR to avoid?
TRUTH to believe?
SOMETHING for which to praise God?