Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, Son, Shrewd Manager, Rich Man & Lazarus… Viewing Luke Chapter Fifteen & Sixteen. Prepared by: Soon Siak. July 2009

Topics covered... Seeking the Lost The Three Parables Discussion Parable of the Shrewd Manager Jesus hitting back Parable of the Rich Towkay & Lazarus

Seeking the lost Your army is lost. Seek your own army. 2 and 5 points for a soldier and a king found respectively. Time limit is 10 minutes to compete among the two teams - Black and Red. Materials – Chinese Chess

The Three Parables (15:1-32) The Pharisees’ criticism of Jesus’ open association with known sinners and social outcasts occasioned three parables, which illustrate God’s love and concern for sinners.

Parable of the Lost Sheep (15) spm95/96

A Cast Sheep There is an old English shepherd term called a "cast" sheep. It is a sheep that is cast meaning to say that it has turned upside down with its four legs kicking frantically in the air. Its back is on the ground and it cannot get back to its own feet. It will sometimes bleat but most of the time it remains silent. This happens frequently and if the poor sheep is not found within a short time, it will die. Sheep has the tendency to just graze and move along. Before long, this poor sheep will be left all alone. The shepherd will then have to look for this lost sheep. This is generally the idea when the Lord mentions about the parable of the lost sheep when the shepherd left the 99 to look for only one lost sheep. When found, the shepherd will gently turn the sheep over to its side. He will then rubs gently on the legs to restore circulation. Then he will gently pick it up and put it on its four legs. It will then starts off wobbly and steadily. Won’t be long it will be able to walk properly again.

He put it on his shoulders (15:5b)

Parable of the Lost Coin (15:8-10) Drachma A valuable coin often worn in a ten-piece garland by married women

Parable of the Lost Sheep & Coin (15:3-10) The or of v8 indicates that the two parables illustrate the same point. God is concerned with one lost person and rejoices in his recovery. Those who are legalistically self-righteous are not even aware of their need. Just as the coin that is lost is precious to the woman, the sheep is precious to the shepherd and they both take the initiative to seek for what they lost until they find it.

Parable of the Prodigal Son (15:11-32) Interesting points: Jewish law allotted 1/3 of the estate to the younger son and 2/3 to the elder. A Jewish father can abdicate his wealth prior to his death. Not only was the son immoral (v13), he adds apostasy. Pigs considered “unclean”. Note restoration by the father (pg71k) Repentance is sorrow for sin, confession that the offence has been committed against a holy God, and change of heart that manifests itself in change of action (v18,19).

Parable of the Prodigal Son (15:11-32) spm90/05 The father represents God in the parable. God is shown here as a loving God who forgives sins. He does not stop His children from rejecting Him. But when they repent, He does not reject them but forgives them and lovingly welcomes them back and celebrates their return to Him. (A97Q7)

The Three Parables (15:1-32) Discuss on the expression of God’s love and concern for sinners. Under each parable heading, write down the points on the board. The Pharisees correspond to the 99 sheep, the 9 coins and the elder brother. The tax and other outcasts (sinners) correspond to the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son.

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (16:1-13) spm92 It illustrates the stewardship of wealth. Jesus does not approve the steward’s fraud (v10) but commends his prudence in using present opportunities for his future welfare (v8). For the Christian, prudent use of possessions is for the benefit of others. See A100Q3 for a similar answer.

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (16:1-13) spm92 One’s attitude toward money is indicative of one’s submission to or rebellion against God’s lordship (v13). See A100Q4 for a similar answer. spm92 Able to narrate the parable too.

Law and the Prophets (16:14-18) The Pharisees supposed that a rigid observance of the Law was the way of righteousness, failing to realise that the Law and the Prophets pointed to the Messiah. Their way of justification was no longer valid since John the Baptist announced that repentance and belief were the means of entrance into the kingdom. Now everyone who desire for the kingdom can press into it. (v16) Jesus confirms the truth that every word of the Scriptures is given by God. He refers to even the smallest letter (v17).

Pressing In (16:16) Advance of the kingdom of God is the result of: Preaching & Action (acts of kindness) 1. Persistency in prayer 2. Confrontation with the demonic 3. Expectation of the miraculous 4. A burning heart for evangelism “Pressing In” not to be fanatics as the Crusades and various extremes. But rather prayer warfare, coupled with a will to surrender one’s life and self interests, in order to gain God’s kingdom goals.

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31) Lesson: As “lovers of money” (v14), the Pharisees looked upon wealth as a sign of God’s blessings, and looked upon poverty as a sign of His judgment. Jesus teaches that material possessions are a trust from God, - to be used responsibly for good. One’s attitude toward possessions is a clear indication of whether one is living self- centeredly or under the total Lordship of Christ. Similar explanation on A103Q4

Carried by the angels (16:22) Bible indicates angels in the future of all believers, at death or at Jesus’ Second Coming. Not a lonely, dreadful experience but with good company! (2 Cor 5:1-8; Mk 13:26,27; Is 14:12-14; Ps 103:20,21)

Reminder Reminder 13 th SPM National Bible Knowledge Quiz 2009 at interstate and interschool level on August 1 st, Luke’s & Acts’ Gospels (GNB). Get ready! Travel light. Wear school uniform on the day of quiz. Bring stationeries (pen/pencils). Travel light. Wear school uniform on the day of quiz. Bring stationeries (pen/pencils). Meet at the BP Bus Terminal by 2:45pm on 31 st July, 2009 (Friday). Meet at the BP Bus Terminal by 2:45pm on 31 st July, 2009 (Friday). Leaving Pudu Bus Terminal at pm on 1 st August, 2009.