Luke 15:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Luke 15:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 15Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. Verse 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." Verse 3So he told them this parable: Verse 4"Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? Verse 5When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. Verse 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Verse 7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Verse 8"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? Verse 9When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Verse 10Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Devotion
A kindergarten teacher once said that the first weeks for her students were spent learning the rules—how to line up, sit quietly, listen to the teacher, and prepare to focus on learning. In this season in North America many students have returned to school or are starting school for the first time. The schools are focused on safety, a positive learning environment and helping students succeed. Imagine that one of those kindergartners gets lost. As the class lines up after recess, one child is not there. It doesn't take much imagination for us to picture all the forces in the school being employed quickly as the search for the lost child gets underway. When that child is found we can picture the relief, the rejoicing and the celebration that this one who was lost is found. Jesus creates a similar word picture with the parable of the lost sheep and lost coin—concern, energy and desire all pour together in the seeking and searching for the lost one.
Prayer
Oh God, we are humbled and awed that you seek the lost tirelessly. Have mercy on those who have lost their way and who have wandered off, and bring them safely home. Amen.