Luke 15:3-10
While it is common for the church today to call Jesus our Good Shepherd, the context in which these parables were being told had a very different view of shepherds. Shepherds in the first century were primarily known as shiftless, thieving, trespassing people. By Rabbis in that day, shepherds were listed among the despised trades right along with camel drivers, sailors, gamblers with dice, dyers, and tax collectors.
This parable challenges the role of leaders who at times did not have the best interest of the flock in mind. The religious leaders in that day were quick to point out who the outcasts were and to designate people as sinners. The Rabbis knew “those people” as outcasts and sinners, and that they would not be included in the kingdom. The Pharisees knew that “those people” broke the moral laws and that they did not maintain the ritual purity that they themselves practiced. Here is the scandal of it all: Jesus received such outcasts, shared meals with them, and even hosted them, showing love and forgiveness that challenged the religious leaders and threatened their status quo.
This parable is an image of Jesus as a loving and caring good shepherd, our shepherd. A “good” shepherd would have been a twist in concept for the Pharisees and religious leaders in that day. Was Jesus comparing them to the outcasts and sinners? Jesus is the good shepherd, and as believers we are called to do as Jesus did. And just who is called to search for the lost?
The silver coin focuses more on what our priorities are. The silver coin was probably a day’s wages, so not a great deal of money, but still so important to the woman. Even though she still had nine silver coins, she searches the house thoroughly to find what was lost.
Finding the lost seems to stir something inside people. In both parables after finding the lost, there is a sharing of the story and a celebration happens. Jesus even said that there is rejoicing for the angels of God when the lost is found.
Neither parable mentions what humans do regarding repentance, but rather focuses on what the righteous must do when the lost is found. Heaven rejoices in finding the lost in all circumstances. Don’t miss the reality that finding the lost is reason for great rejoicing!
Consider
Who are the outcasts or sinners of today?
Who is responsible for looking for the lost? For reaching out?
What is the role of the church when the lost are found?
What does celebration look like?
