Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Luke 15:1-10            

Luke 15:1-10

Most of us know the stories told by the Savior in Luke 15. They’re about lost stuff being found. Sheep, coins, and persons; lost and found. They are marvelous. Even on the surface. But if you are a careful reader of the Bible and have delved into the volumes written on this chapter, and even if you haven’t, you by now realize there is so much more to glean.

For our devotion this week I would like to broaden our scope by not forgetting the “lead-in” of the stories shared. Who is listening to the Savior? What does Luke remind us to remember about them? They are “tax collectors and sinners.” They are “Pharisees and scribes.” No doubt these are people who on the outside would be held as speaking and living and teaching in opposition to Jesus. But as so often is the case we must remember first that, apart from God’s grace we would occupy that category. And also, these are the people who were “drawing near to hear him.” How wonderful. We see it often in the gospels. Jesus was attractive to sinners. Opponents they were for certain. So why even bother to listen? Part of that “so much more to glean” referenced above. Whenever the Savior speaks, whenever the Word of God is spoken there is a compelling nature about what is heard. I believe God designed things in just such a fashion. Why? Because God is always reaching. Reaching to those who live outside his light and voice. God became man for just such a task.

I think it would be good practice to read Luke 15 from the beginning. Reading through each parable shared by Jesus, and then, before going on to the next one, return to the few verses introducing the chapter. We need to remember that the stories spoken are done so to certainly put the compassion of God on display (as well as the rejoicing of the angels), but also to remind us that we dare not forget the message is for sinners. Good sinners, adept, and expert in their sin. For it is always the method of Jesus and his good Spirit to use the full counsel of the Word, law and gospel, to crush and kill and then raise to indestructible life.

It is a marvelous thing to remember that a world of sinners remains within his reach.