Gospel lesson of the week
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 15:1-10

Jesus tells two stories that suggest a curious connection between the lost being found and sinners repenting. God takes the initiative to find sinners, each of whom is so precious to God that his or her recovery brings joy in heaven.

¹Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus.] ²And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” ³So he told them this parable: ⁴“Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? ⁵When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. ⁶And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ ⁷Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. ⁸“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ ¹⁰Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Gospel Reflection Questions

1. When the woman in Jesus’ parable finds her coin, she rejoices.  Does she love her other coins less?  Does rejoicing and loving one “coin” take something away from the others?
2. Why does Jesus tell these parables when they ask why he is eating with sinners?
3. When a coin or a sheep (or a son) is lost, is it only the owner/father (God) who loses?

Prayer

O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion, you lead back to yourself all those who go astray. Preserve your people in your loving care, that we may reject whatever is contrary to you and may follow all things that sustain our life in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Mt. Olive's online Bible Study is a weekly opportunity to reflect on the coming weekend's Gospel text before worship.  We encourage you to read the text, reflect on the questions & pray individually and then with others. 

< SUBSCRIBE >
Get our weekly Bible study newsletter emailed to you!