JESUS CHALLENGES OUR UNDERSTANDING:

1. The setting and the issue.

a. Luke 15:1-2

b. There were objections to God’s mercy.

2. The shepherd’s compassion.

a. Luke 15:3-7

b. He does not give up. V.4b

c. He carries the sheep. V.5

d. There is Heaven centered celebration. V.7

e. Matthew 18:14

f. God pursues the lost. (through the work of the Holy Spirit).

g. 2 Peter 3:9

3. A woman’s determination.

a. Luke 15:8-10

b. The lost coin represents something of value—our soul is of great value.

Three steps are taken:

c. Lights a lamp. Matthew 6:22

d. Sweeps the soul. Psalm 139:23-24

e. Intense searching.

4. A father’s love.

a. Luke 15:11-19

b. The younger son got lost in his own rebellion.

c. Luke 15:20

d. The father was watching for him—expectation.

e. Luke 15:21-24

f. The father restored his place as son.

g. Luke 15:25-30

h. The older son got lost in self-righteousness.

i. He was angry at his father giving his brother grace.

j. This is a works-based mindset.

k. What is the danger of this mindset? You can be in proximity to God but far away from His heart.

l. Luke 15:31-32

m. The father’s response is golden—all that I have is yours.

5. Jesus gave an image of the Heavenly Father being gracious and longsuffering.

a. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

b. Galatians 5:22-23