Even if he becomes aware of his condition, there is nothing he can do about it. We are not of those who keep on sinning after they hear the gospel and thereby, trample on the blood sacrifice of Christ. Ask God to burden your heart with the lost and to give you opportunities to pursue them with the gospel. Twas grace that taught my heart to fear. The lost sheep and the lost coin were passive in the process. This, too, did not seem enough to this older son. 8:00 am 1st Service It is a very sentimental story, but once the reality of it sets in it just doesnt seem to square with real life. Tagged as: We would look at the compliant, hard-working older brother and commend him. It was in this state of want that the young man came to his senses. But the inward attitudes and motivations of this older brother as just as evil, indeed, they are more evil, for there is much self-righteousness concealed behind his outward conformity to his fathers will and to his hard work. Today, I testify to the greatness of my Shepherd, that He would allow me to hear His voice. All rights reserved. The difficulty is of their making; let them explain it as they think best. This father gave the son what he had asked for. Rather than avoiding sinners, we should be pursuing them, not to run with them in their sins, but to rescue them from this evil world. Then Jesus told them this parable: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. When a close family member is lost, you cannot be at rest until he or she is found. Give attention to those things which this son mentioned to his father, which are the basis of his actions, his anger, and his protest: (1) I have worked hard, but you gave me no banquet. This last observation is the most crucial one for us. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'. Web2 Timothy 4:17 - Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was Suppose that someone were to come along with a one-paragraph explanation of all the rules (impossible as it seems), easily understood and applied by the masses. WebJohn 3:1-36 ESV / 24 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. Lesson Goal: To gain a better understanding of the truth: I once was lost but now Im found.. Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular. What a way to live. WebAnd when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be The same lions or wolves that were stalking his sheep might stalk him as well. parables), and was not complex and complicated, so as to leave the masses in a fog. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. His books are include: Teaching Children The Gospel/How to Raise Godly Children, Do Babies Go To Heaven?/Why Does God Allow Suffering?, "The Great Omission; Reaching the Lost for Christ," and Blind Chance or Intelligent Design?, Empirical Methodologies & the Bible.". How can we share the gospel of a hope-so salvation, rather than a know-so salvation in Christ? And he was lost, but he is found! And they began to be merry. He did not need to work to win his fathers approval or blessing, he need only be a son. The older son protested to his father that he had not been given a party. In the last decade or so, hundreds have contacted us to say they believe they have lost their salvation or blasphemed the Holy Spirit. And who is adequate for these things? While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. | Select Hymns He recognized that he could live better as a slave of his father than as a slave in this foreign land. He knew the nature of sheep, that they are prone to stray, to get lost and to stay lost without the help of a shepherd. But God took out after me and ran me down. Unless they repent of that, there is only a fearful expectation of fiery judgment. The first run-in between Jesus and the Pharisees had to do with Jesus authority to forgive sins, which was only the prerogative of God (Luke 5:17-26). 6 There is some question as to what the reading of the original text should be at verse 21, as indicated by the marginal note in the NASB. The Pharisees were out of sync with heaven. Both viewed him only in terms of the good things and times he could provide. It was not the younger brothers sins which resulted in the fathers celebration, but in his repentance and return. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but dung, that I may win Christ. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), The Situation: All the tax-gatherers & sinners coming to hear Jesus, The Complaint: Jesus welcomes sinners and even eats with them. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Scripture is clear that if we are saved, it is because the Lord took the initiative; we did not. The late Bible teacher, Harry Ironside, told of a new convert who gave his testimony at a church service. for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to celebrate. A kiss on the cheek was a sign of reconciliation and forgiveness, the best robe a sign of honor, the ring a sign of authority (cf. One thing I do know. But it will be for him who walks that way. The father granted the sons request, and shortly thereafter the son left his father, his family, his country, and departed to a distant country, where he squandered his possessions in a sinful lifestyle. We've no less days to sing God's praise. The father ran to meet the son. KJ21. Just so, I tell you, there will be Unbelievers are lost and helpless, prey for the enemy unless God intervenes. A son, descendent. I stopped in the middle of the street, picked up this transmission, and put it in the back of my station wagon. As I sit at the dining room table surrounded by books, I feel the loving and tender presence of my dear Shepherd. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.. and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. (4) The Pharisees sought to protect and promote their own hypocrisy by concentrating on external sins, rather than inner attitudes and motivations (Matthew 23:13-14, 25-36). A Biblical Analysis, What it Means to Become a New Creation in Christ, 25 Encouraging Bible Verses About Strength, Words of Encouragement: 30 Uplifting Quotes. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Gospels: John 9:25 He therefore answered I don't know if (Jhn Jo Jn). 2 The occasions is the Pharisaic criticism of Jesus association with outcasts (sinners has a connotation that goes beyond our usual moralistic interpretation and involves a disreputable social status).Charles H. Talbert, Reading Luke: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the Third Gospel (New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1984), pp. But the Pharisees and scribes were grumbling, This man receives sinners and eats with them. What a great word of hope that is for sinners! The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. When he came to his senses, he said, How many of my fathers hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! And they began to be merry. I believe that the fullest explanation of this is to be found in Matthews gospel, in the 23rd chapter. How great the love of this father. He places the two things in contrast. We all sin, but believers dont deliberately seek out and practice sin. He was lost, but now he is found. So the party began. 1:4, 5). I am not especially fond of artists pictures of Jesus, but I do like the one that shows the smiling shepherd with a lamb on his shoulders. Thus, the words of the son to his father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight (v. 18, NASB). I will feed them with judgment. Lawrenceburg, Tennessee 38464 They would search for the lost coin, just as they would rejoice in finding it. Few of us will choose to identify with the older brother, and yet, in the context of chapter 15, he is the central figure, his sin is most in view, and his reaction to his brothers repentance and return is our Lords explanation for the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes. They never went to church. Salvation, Scripture: Romans 5:15; Psalm 66:16; John 9:25, Timeless Truths Free Online Library | books, sheet music, midi, and more. It is because of the authors conclusion that if they reject their only way to be saved, there is no longer a sacrifice for their sins. The assumption is that every one of the Pharisees would have responded to the loss and finding of one sheep just as Jesus suggested. They believed that they, by keeping the law, could earn Gods favor, and that unworthy sinners would be condemned to hell. Note two things: There are different views on what Jesus means in verse 7, but two are most likely. Many also cite Hebrews 10:26-29 which says, For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. We most often tend to think of Him as the giver, rather than as the gift. WebThis is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. Should one abandon the 99 sheep, leaving them vulnerable to getting lost or to attack by wild animals? WebYou were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls. It was a different matter with the Pharisees and scribes. That time, I felt that I am Read John 10:11. What Do the Four Soils in the Parable of the Sower Represent? All rights reserved. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 1999, All Rights Reserved. I, the first-person pronoun. A Biblical Analysis. The older brother not only failed to comprehend grace, but he resented it. Lets have a feast and celebrate. It is not that they did not need repentance for themselves, but rather that they thought that they were good enough not to need repentance. He does not speak of or claim any rights. I cant do other things when something is lost! For related ideas, search our website for "Parables of Jesus." He rescued (saved) me from the destruction of my lostness. The mention of the killing of the fatted calf is the final straw for the older brother. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? And someone said to Him, Lord, are there just a few who are being saved? And He said to them. They have given us a new set of rules for figuring our income taxes. Thanks for stopping by! The heart of that father never forgot the wayward son. His self-righteousness is so strong that he resents the grace of God and refuses to rejoice in it. Jesus owns up to the Pharisees charge and defends Himself by telling three parables that all make the same point, although with different emphases: God goes to great effort to seek lost sinners and He greatly rejoices when they come to repentance. She would light a lamp to illuminate her search, and then she would sweep and clean until she found it. Bring the best robe and put it on him. It did not produce warm, fuzzy feelings, at least not for those Pharisees who understood what Jesus was saying to them. Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 9. Note with me the following characteristics of the first two parables, which is a key to our understanding what Jesus meant to be understood by them, as well as the basis upon which the third parable can be interpreted. Once again, in his conclusion, the author of Hebrews says Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better thingsthings that belong to salvation (Heb 6:9), so in our case, that is for believers, the author feels sure of better things for believers. Let me summarize several pertinent characteristics of the Pharisees, as our Lord exposed them: (1) The Pharisees loved the place of honor at banquets (Matthew 23:5). John 5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. The father had to do it. To begin. God has no aborted children of God! He had, during those years when the younger son only had the fellowship of pagans and pigs, the fellowship of his father. Discuss with prayer and thought. It is unqualified. Jesus also confronts them in 16:15, when He says, You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. Jesus hits the same thing in 18:9, with the parable of the Pharisee and the publican going to the temple to pray. Why are all of our righteous acts considered filthy rags? Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular. Esth 3;10; 8:2; Gen 41:42), the shoes a sign of a free manslaves went barefootand the feast a sign of joy Talbert, p. 150. We get the impression that she would not stop until the lost coin were found. They can think they are saved one day but the next day, they are lost. All you must do is to repentto admit your sin, and to receive Gods gift of eternal salvation. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found. John 14.1-3 NKJV The rules for disposing of property are given in the Mishnah (Baba Bathra 8). From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. This son of mine was dead. He could make the truth simple; the Pharisees made it mind-bogglingly complex. Legacy Standard Bible I was blind but now I see!' He is a mirror of the Pharisees! p. 241. The younger brothers repentance was required by his sin, he very great sin, as we have just emphasized. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. He was lost, but now he is found! So they began to celebrate. My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back. I have always had a special joy in finding lost things. Would it be wise, even profitable, for a man to put 99 sheep at risk, leaving them unprotected in an open field, to search for one lost lamb? Let's have a feast and celebrate. We come to Him in prayer, not for the fellowship and communion we can have with Him, but for the things we want Him to provide for us and for our enjoyment. Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular. This man receives sinners, and [Steve] with them. If you will join the tax gatherers and sinners and draw near to Jesus and listen to Him, you will know the joy of singing, I once was lost, but now Im found!. Because this brother thought he had to work for his fathers approval and blessings, he was no less a slave than his younger brother. Resource Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), Crossway Bibles. (7) Both sons were sinners. That is the way Gods grace worksit is bestowed on unworthy people, sinners, who do not trust in their good works, but in Gods grace. Praise His Holy Name! I have implied earlier in this message that our definition of sin and of sinners, like those of the Pharisees and scribes, are often more social in nature than they are biblical. Specifically, they were grumbling about the fact that Jesus received sinners2 and ate with them (v. 2). Without help, it will forever remain lost. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. If that is what our God is like, then that is what we, as His people, should be like. Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 10. GNV For this my son was dead, and is alive again: and he was lost, but he is The angels, as Peter and Paul both inform us (1 Peter 1:12; 1 Corinthians 11:10), are most interested in what is going on here on earth. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The 99 sheep, the nine coins that were not lost, and the older brother who never strayed all represent the Pharisees and scribes. For an Israelite, nothing could be lower than to be the slave of a heathen, and to have as ones job the care of swine.5 This younger son, I say, acted in a very wicked and foolish way. How much like the Heavenly Father he is. 2:12). They failed to see themselves as unworthy sinners (like the prodigal did), and thus they not only rejected Gods grace, they disdained it. They might have tasted the goodness of the word of God and shared in the heavenly gift (Jesus Christ! All See John 10:1-19 and John 21:15-19. The Jews, as a group, felt superior to the Gentiles, but the Pharisees felt superior to other Jews (John 7:45-49). Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Hamartiology (Sin), Soteriology (Salvation), Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! After checking with all the nearby mechanics and turning it in to the police for the required time, I claimed it as my own. He allowed the son to go his own way, even when he could have prevented it (at least he could have refused to finance the venture). The second parable begins with the expression, Or suppose, indicating that the second parable is like unto the first. If you're lost, He will find you because He loves you. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More, Acts 11:18), and is inextricably bound up with saving faith. On a cold night in England many years ago, a group of children slipped into a church to get warm. Luke 14 ends with Jesus saying, He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 15 begins with the notice that all the tax-gatherers and sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Lets say, then, that five sheep and perhaps a couple of goats are slaughtered, not to mention the cost of the other food. Always Saved, Jesus, by association with the masses, the hoi polloi, threatened to pollute this pure group of pious people. From an apparently primary nekus; dead. The first two parables reveal that the Pharisees, in some cases, had great compassion on certain lost items, and they also greatly rejoiced when they found them. 1. As a son, the older brother possessed all that his father had. Note verse 5, rejoicing; verse 6, rejoice; verse 7, joy; verse 9, rejoice; verse 10, joy. Heaven is already filled with joy, but when a sinner gets saved, they throw a party, just as the father of the prodigal son did! (6) In both cases, it is not men who are lost, but things, and it is man (generically speaking, for there is both a man and a woman) that seeks diligently to find what is lost. Sinners are lost until God finds them. The Apostle Paul could confidently say, I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me (1 Tim 1:12). And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, This man receives sinners and eats with them.. They referred to Jesus as this man. I believe this is intended to be a specific reminder to the crowds that Jesus was just a man and not God. Today we will look at the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. The seriousness of the young brothers sins can only be understood in the light of his identity (I am assuming) as an Israelite. (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. But, thank God, He lovingly took the initiative. He sent the Holy Spirit to pursue you with the good news that Christ died for your sins. ), but they truly never believed. for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to celebrate. They both began searching for the lost item. Than when we've first begun. He put it securely on his shoulders and carried it home. The biblical description of those who do not know Jesus Christ is not unsaved, but lost. As Jesus said concerning His sheep, I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand (John 10:28). What does it mean that good works are the result of salvation? The sons repentance touched the heart of his loving father, and paved the way for his restoration and rejoicing. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? (2) In both parables, the owner takes the initiative, seeking the lost. This included the necessity of living a life that was very distinct (holy) from that of the heathen. WebAnd when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.. Wheres the balance between bad company corrupts good morals (1 Cor. WebMy son was dead, but now he is alive again! A time to search and a time to give up as lost; Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. Joy is rooted in Gods grace. She didnt go to the well to draw water and chat with her neighbors. The apostle Paul was motivated by joy, even in the midst of great suffering, danger, and tribulation (cf. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. Wednesday The older brother expected to be rewarded on the basis of his works, and he would likewise have expected his younger brother to have been disowned due to his works (sins). WebI once was lost But now I am found Was blind but now I see CHORUS: Oh I can see You now Oh I can see the love in Your eyes Laying Yourself down Raising up the broken to life VERSE 2: You take our failure You take our weakness You set Your treasure In jars of clay So take this heart Lord Ill be Your vessel The world to see Your life in me BRIDGE: They wandered in the wilderness in a desert region;They did not find a way to an inhabited city. A lost dog might eventually find its way home, but a lost sheep is unable to do so. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
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