December 20, 2020

“The Gospel in a Grumble”

Luke 15:1-10

The Christmas story is about the seeking love of God and we see that love incarnate in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Lk. 19:10).

SETTING THE STAGE (Lk. 15:1-2)

“All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to him. And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them’” (Lk. 15:1-2, CSB).

THE SHEPHERD’S JOY (Lk. 15:3-7)

 “So, he told them this parable: ‘What man among you, who has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it? When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance’” (Lk. 15:3-7, CSB).

THE COIN A WOMAN LOST AND FOUND (Lk. 15:8-10)

“Or what woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the silver coin I lost!’ I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents” (Lk. 15:8-10, CSB). 

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 3:15; 4:7, CSB). 

“See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20, CSB).

“As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21, CSB).

Merry Christmas!