Luke 15
BSB1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. 2 So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, 6 comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ 7 In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent. 8 Or what woman who has ten silver coins and loses one of them does not light a lamp, sweep her house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors to say, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents." 11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing. 17 Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death! 18 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ‘ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. 25 Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 ‘Son, you are always with me,’ the father said, ‘and all that is mine is yours. 32 But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’"
Study Notes — Luke 15
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 15
- Themes from Luke 15
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 15
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke 15 contains three parables that Jesus tells to illustrate God's love for the lost. The first parable is about a shepherd who leaves his flock to search for one lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7). The second parable is about a woman who searches her house for a lost coin (Luke 15:8-10). The third parable is about a father who welcomes back his prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). These parables show that God is a loving Father who seeks to reconcile with His children and that He rejoices when they return to Him. The chapter also highlights the importance of seeking the lost and the danger of self-righteousness, as seen in the response of the older son in the third parable.
Context for the Chapter
Luke 15 is part of a larger section in Luke's gospel that highlights Jesus' teachings on God's love for the lost and the importance of seeking the lost. The chapter is situated between Jesus' teachings on humility and His teachings on the importance of faithfulness and stewardship. The chapter also looks back to Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of God and looks forward to His teachings on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Heart Application
This chapter teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to bring others to Him. We should be mindful of our own self-righteousness and seek to cultivate a heart of humility and love for those who are lost. We should also be encouraged by God's love for us and seek to live a life that reflects His love and forgiveness.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter teaches us that God loves people who are lost and wants to bring them back to Himself. Jesus tells three stories to show how much God loves us and wants us to come back to Him. The first story is about a shepherd who finds a lost sheep, the second story is about a woman who finds a lost coin, and the third story is about a father who welcomes back his lost son. We can learn from these stories that God loves us and wants us to come back to Him, and that we should also love and forgive others like God loves and forgives us.
Voices from the Church
“The love of God is not a mere sentiment, but a living, active, and powerful principle that seeks to bring all people to Himself.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The parables of Luke 15 teach us that God is a loving Father who seeks to reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to bring others to Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7) — Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves his flock to search for one lost sheep, illustrating God's love for those who are lost.
- The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) — Jesus tells the story of a woman who searches her house for a lost coin, illustrating God's love for those who are lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself.
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) — Jesus tells the story of a father who welcomes back his prodigal son, illustrating God's love for those who are lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself.
- The Response of the Older Son (Luke 15:25-32) — The older son is angry and resentful towards his father for welcoming back his prodigal brother, illustrating the danger of self-righteousness.
- Conclusion (Luke 15:32) — Jesus concludes the parable by saying that the father had to celebrate the return of his prodigal son, illustrating God's love for those who are lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself.
Core Doctrines
- The Love of God
- This chapter teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to bring others to Him.
- The Importance of Seeking the Lost
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking the lost, as seen in the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.
- The Danger of Self-Righteousness
- The chapter highlights the danger of self-righteousness, as seen in the response of the older son in the third parable.
- The Importance of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
- The chapter teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to forgive and reconcile with others.
Lessons from Luke 15
- God Loves Those Who Are Lost — This chapter teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to bring others to Him.
- The Importance of Seeking the Lost — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking the lost, as seen in the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.
- The Danger of Self-Righteousness — The chapter highlights the danger of self-righteousness, as seen in the response of the older son in the third parable.
- The Importance of Forgiveness and Reconciliation — The chapter teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to forgive and reconcile with others.
- Applying the Teachings of the Chapter — We can apply the teachings of this chapter to our own lives and relationships by seeking to bring others to God and by cultivating a heart of humility and love for those who are lost.
Themes from Luke 15
- God's Love for the Lost — This chapter teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to bring others to Him.
- The Importance of Seeking the Lost — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking the lost, as seen in the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.
- The Danger of Self-Righteousness — The chapter highlights the danger of self-righteousness, as seen in the response of the older son in the third parable.
- The Importance of Forgiveness and Reconciliation — The chapter teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to forgive and reconcile with others.
- The Celebration of God's Love — The chapter concludes with the father celebrating the return of his prodigal son, illustrating God's love for those who are lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the parable of the lost sheep teach us about God's love for those who are lost?
- How does the parable of the lost coin illustrate God's love for those who are lost?
- What does the parable of the prodigal son teach us about God's love for those who are lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself?
- What is the danger of self-righteousness, as seen in the response of the older son in the third parable?
- How can we apply the teachings of this chapter to our own lives and relationships?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)
| 15:1 | The tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to hear Him, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were complaining about Jesus' association with them. |
| 15:2 | The Pharisees and teachers of the law were saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' |
| 15:3 | Jesus told them the parable of the lost sheep, saying, 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Will he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?' |
2. The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
| 15:8 | Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Will she not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? |
| 15:9 | And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' |
| 15:10 | In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. |
3. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
| 15:11 | Jesus continued, 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger son told his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' |
| 15:12 | So the father divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country, and there squandered his wealth in wild living. |
| 15:13 | After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. |
| 15:14 | So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. |
| 15:15 | He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. |
| 15:16 | When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!' |
| 15:17 | I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. |
| 15:18 | I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men. |
| 15:19 | So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. |
| 15:20 | The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' |
| 15:21 | But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. |
| 15:22 | Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. |
| 15:23 | For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' So they began to celebrate. |
| 15:24 | Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. |
| 15:25 | So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. |
| 15:26 | 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' |
| 15:27 | The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. |
| 15:28 | But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.' |
| 15:29 | But he replied, 'My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. |
| 15:30 | But we had to celebrate and be glad, because your brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Luke 15?
The main theme of Luke 15 is God's love for the lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself, as seen in the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son (Luke 15:1-32).
What is the significance of the parable of the lost sheep?
The parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's love for those who are lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself (Luke 15:1-7).
What is the significance of the parable of the prodigal son?
The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to forgive and reconcile with others (Luke 15:11-32).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 15:1 → Matthew 9:10-13 | The tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to hear Him, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were complaining about Jesus' association with them, similar to Matthew 9:10-13. |
| 2 | Luke 15:4 → Psalm 119:176 | The parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's love for those who are lost, similar to Psalm 119:176, which says, 'I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.' |
| 3 | Luke 15:7 → Isaiah 53:6 | The parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's love for those who are lost, similar to Isaiah 53:6, which says, 'We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.' |
| 4 | Luke 15:11 → Genesis 25:31 | The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, similar to Genesis 25:31, which says, 'Esau said, 'Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished!' |
| 5 | Luke 15:18 → Psalm 51:4 | The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, similar to Psalm 51:4, which says, 'Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.' |
| 6 | Luke 15:20 → Hosea 11:8-9 | The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, similar to Hosea 11:8-9, which says, 'How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim?' |
| 7 | Luke 15:24 → Ezekiel 34:16 | The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, similar to Ezekiel 34:16, which says, 'I will search for the lost and bring back the strays.' |
| 8 | Luke 15:32 → Romans 5:8 | The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, similar to Romans 5:8, which says, 'But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' |
| 9 | Luke 15:1-2 → Matthew 21:31 | The tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to hear Him, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were complaining about Jesus' association with them, similar to Matthew 21:31. |
| 10 | Luke 15:11-12 → Genesis 27:1-4 | The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, similar to Genesis 27:1-4. |
Sermons on Luke 15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Alabama) the Prodigal by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a heart-to-heart talk about the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the uncond |
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(Australia) a Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the internal struggles and cries of a young person who is feeling overwhelmed and confused. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having |
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(1 Peter - Part 12): As Obedient Children by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the American spirit of rebellion and the importance of freedom. He references the historical event of pouring tea overboard in Boston Harbor |
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Cost of Worship - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing how he was sitting on the front seat in the synagogue. He then repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reading the gospel of Luke. |
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Repentance - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke chapter 15. He highlights the contrast between the younger son, who repents and returns to his fat |
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Eternal Purpose (Reading) by Watchman Nee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly giving oneself to God. He explains that when we offer ourselves to God, He will break us in order to bless and use us |
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And Kissed Him by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in overcoming past hurts and moving towards a better future. They describe forgiveness as turning off the pain |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Father of the Prodigal by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher Eugene and Dave, who are wealthy businessmen in Cape Town, are praised for their love for God and their dedication to giving their finances to Jesus. T |
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Give Me Mine by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker introduces the last of the three parables in Luke 15, which is the longest and most famous. The speaker suggests that the story is about an assault on c |
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(Poland) Jesus Loves Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares powerful testimonies of individuals who were living on the streets and trapped in addiction. Through the love of Jesus Christ, they experienced |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 15
In this chapter, Jesus teaches us about God's love for the lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself. The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son illustrate God's love and mercy towards those who are lost. We see that God is a loving Father who seeks to forgive and reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to forgive and reconcile with others. The chapter also highlights the danger of self-righteousness, as seen in the response of the older son in the third parable. As Matthew Henry says, 'The greatest sinners, if they repent and come to God, are accepted and will be saved.' This chapter teaches us that God's love and mercy are available to all, and that we should seek to bring others to Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Love for the Lost
Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes God's love for those who are lost and His desire to bring them back to Himself. This is seen in the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son.
The Danger of Self-Righteousness
The chapter also highlights the danger of self-righteousness, as seen in the response of the older son in the third parable. The older son is angry and resentful towards his father for welcoming back his prodigal brother, illustrating the self-righteousness that can prevent us from experiencing God's love and forgiveness.
The Importance of Seeking the Lost
The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking the lost, as seen in the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Jesus teaches that God is a loving Father who seeks to reconcile with His children, and that we should also seek to bring others to Him.