Luke 15: 1-7 1 A
ll tax collectors and sinners came to Christ to hear him. 2 The disloyal and the scribes began to whisper, saying: “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Christ said to them: 4 Which of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them? Leave the ninety in the desert, and go after the lost one, even find it.5 And when he finds it, he puts happiness on his shoulders, 6 and when he comes home, He gathers friends and neighbors and says: “I found a sheep that I lost, so please rejoice with me. ” 7 Heaven says the same will happen. For repentant sinners, 94 righteous, they don’t need to repent.
Reflection:
This parable is part of a group of three, found in the 15th chapter of Luke, its parallel in Matthew 18: 10-14, takes place at another time with his disciples. The Pharisees and scribes criticized Jesus, for having received tax collectors and sinners, he immediately tells them the parable of the lost sheep, and he does it in the form of a question, “Who of you, if you have a hundred sheep and lose one? ? Doesn’t he leave the ninety of them in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? Whoever finds the lost sheep is filled with joy, because the ninety, although they were not lost, leaves them and goes after her The Pharisees and the scribes They boasted of their justice, they did not seek it by faith, but by the works of the law, that is precisely why they did not feel sinful when they were before Jesus, who needed to be forgiven, repentance did not reach their hearts. God wants us to come to him with sad and humble hearts as we approach his presence. Jesus is not looking for “the righteous” but for sin. they are justified by believing in Jesus Christ, his person and his works. There is joy in heaven for the repentant sinner, as we also see in Luke 15: 7, Luke 15:10 (parable of the lost coin) and Luke 15:32 (parable of the prodigal son).
God is patient with humanity, and although there will be a time for judgment, he sends every messenger of God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ so that more people will repent and be part of his kingdom. God is quick to fulfill his promise, as some believe (2 Peter 2: 9).
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.
Helpful Hint: Read Luke Chapter 15