Sermon: To The Lost

Scripture Text: Ezekiel 34:11-16 and Luke 15:1-10

Quotes for Reflection

Kylne R. Snodgrass, Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus
Few things are more important than our perception of God, for from that understanding we perceive our own identity, how we should think and act, and how the world ought to be.

J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Luke
Christ’s love is a deep and mighty love. Just as the shepherd rejoiced to find his sheep, and the woman to find her money, so does the Lord Jesus rejoice to save sinners. It is a real pleasure to Him to pluck them as brands from the burning. It was His “food and drink” when upon earth to finish the work which He came to do. He felt constrained in spirit until it was accomplished. It is still His delight to show mercy. He is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are willing to be saved.

N.T. Wright, Luke for Everyone
In the stories of the sheep and the coin, the punch line in each case depends on the Jewish belief that the two halves of God’s creation, heaven and earth, were meant to fit together and be in harmony with each other. If you discover what’s going on in heaven, you’ll discover how things were meant to be on earth. That, after all, is the point of praying that God’s kingdom will come ‘on earth as in heaven’.

Application Questions:

1. Why is our view of God’s disposition toward us so consequential for our relationships with people who are spiritually lost? Does your view of God match how he is described in Luke’s parables? Why or why not?

2. How do the parables of Luke 15 knock down any sense of spiritual superiority? What specific elements can you point to and elaborate on?

3. How can it be most advantageous to simply invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers to church? What is exciting about this idea, and what gives you pause? Who are one or two people of peace in your life who need an invitation?