Lost And Found!

Luke 15:1-24

I have lost many things in my time. Among the missing there have been lost hats, coats, socks, gloves, glasses, keys and a host of other things. On many occasions I have been able to rejoice because what was lost, was ultimately found.

The reason Jesus came to earth was because we sinners were "lost". Because of our sin against God, we were destined to an eternity in hell (Ezekiel 1:4). Jesus arrived to die for our sins and make it possible for anyone to have salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 5:1).

In Luke 15, I see the work of God, the Trinity in seeking and finding the lost.

BACKGROUND - Vss. 1-3 - Jesus ministered to the despised people of His day. The Pharisees found fault. Jesus told three stories which illustrate God's work in winning the lost.

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP SPEAKS OF THE DIRECTION OF THE SINNER FOUND BY THE SEEKING SAVIOR. Vss. 3-7
The sheep had wandered away. We sinners have done the same thing (Isaiah 53:6). Our Lord came to earth seeking us (Luke 19:10), and dying to save us (Romans 5:6-9).

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN SPEAKS OF THE CONDITION OF THE SINNER, FOUND BY THE SEARCHING SPIRIT. Vss. 8-10
A coin is an inanimate object. It could not cry out, "Here am I!" in order to be found. You and I were dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). We were helpless! However the Spirit of God searched for us. He convicted us of our sin, and gave us an opportunity to be saved through trust in Christ (John 16:8-11, Ephesians 2:4-7).

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON SPEAKS OF THE DECISION OF THE SINNER WELCOMED BY THE SEEING FATHER. Vss. 11-24
Tell the story. The lost son comes to his senses and decides to return to his father. The Father was evidently looking for Him all the time (Vs. 20). When a lost sinner decides to come to Christ, the Heavenly Father is watching, and ready to receive him (Vss. 21-24, John 1:12).