In Luke 15 the Lord presents three parables: THE LOST SHEEP THE LOST COIN THE PRODIGAL SON

The enemies of Christ have murmured against Him because of His love for sinners (Lk. 15:1-2). The Setting

The Purpose To teach God’s attitude toward the lost. To teach what man’s attitude should be toward the lost.

The Theme Rejoicing when that which was lost is found.

Who cannot relate to the joy of finding something that was lost? But it is also a frightening experience to be lost. Who cannot relate to the feeling of being lost; that our lives are in danger? As frightening as that is, the danger of being lost in sin is far greater. These parables suggest four ways one can be lost.

The Tragedy Of Being Lost – Luke 15

Consider the parable of the lost sheep (Lk. 15:3-7). Our behavior is similar to sheep in some ways: Prone to wander; to get lost along the way. Prone to expose ourselves to danger. Difficult to find once we’re lost. Just careless about what we’re doing and where we’re headed.

Many today are lost in sin through carelessness. Not careful to keep their focus where it ought to be (Heb. 2:1; Lk. 8:14). Not careful to put first things first (Mt. 6:33). Not careful to be diligent in spiritual growth and knowledge (Hos. 4:6). Not careful to refuse to accept error (Mt. 7:15).

Let us take care and not be lost by being careless (1 Pet. 5:8).

The Tragedy Of Being Lost – Luke 15

Consider the parable of the lost coin (Lk. 15:8-10). A lost coin is a useless coin. All of us recognize that money is of no value to us if it isn’t accessible. The lost coin was “out of circulation” until it was found.

Sometimes we can become lost in our service to God and we too become useless. When brethren become “lost” they need to be found (Gal. 6:1-2). They need to be put “back in circulation.” Every one of us, if truly converted, is meant for the master’s use.

Sometimes we can become lost in our service to God and we too become useless. When we become useless we usually have: Lost our zeal for the Lord. Lost our concern for one another. Lost our influence for good.

Sometimes we can become lost in our service to God and we too become useless. We need to evaluate ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5). We might ask, “What am I worth to the Lord and His church?” In zeal? In faithfulness? In loyalty? In influence?

Let each of us strive to be useful. Don't give up the race (Heb. 12:1-2) Don't give up the fight (1 Tim. 6:12) Don't give up the service (2 Tim. 2:4) Don't give up the work (1 Cor. 15:58) Don't give up pressing toward the goal (Phil. 3:13-14) Don't give up the efforts to be a vessel of honor (2 Tim. 2:20-21) In the end, many will be lost because of uselessness (Mt. 5:13; 25:24-30).

The Tragedy Of Being Lost – Luke 15

Here we turn our attention to the parable of the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-24). The prodigal son was lost willfully. He willfully asked for his portion of the inheritance. He willfully went into a faraway country. He willfully squandered his inheritance in wild living. He had no one to blame but himself.

There are many today who will be lost because they are willfully rebellious against the authority of God. Those who do so put themselves in grave peril (Heb. 10:26-27; 31). They are willfully putting their will above God’s will; “Not thy will, but mine be done.”

Others are willfully prejudiced to God’s word. They refuse to examine the facts. They close their eyes and their ears lest they hear the truth. The prodigal’s will was broken; he repented and went home to his merciful father (Lk. 15:20); what about you? Willfulness not repented of will cause us to be lost.

The Tragedy Of Being Lost – Luke 15

Here we focus on the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son (Lk. 15:25-32). The elder brother is the type who seldom considers themselves lost (Lk. 15:29). He was one who wasn’t guilty of the willfulness of his brother.

He was lost because of his attitude toward his brother (Lk. 15:28-30). Angry (Lk. 15:28). Sulking; “would not go in” (Lk. 15:28). Self-righteous (Lk. 15:29). Wallowing in self-pity (Lk. 15:29). Contempt; “this thy son” (Lk. 15:30). Evil Speaking; “devoured thy living with harlots” (Lk. 15:30). Envy; “never gavest me a kid…hast killed for him the fatted calf” (Lk. 15:29-30).

There are many today who will be lost because of bitterness toward their brethren (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Jn. 2:10-11; 3:14-15; 4:20-21). The elder brother represents the Pharisees who were condemned because of bitter self-righteousness (Lk. 18:9). We need to be sure we root out any bitterness lest it cause us to be lost (Eph. 4:31; Heb. 12:15).

These are some of the ways you and I can be lost. To be lost eternally is a terrible thing. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). If you are lost in sin, you can be found and made alive to God if you will believe and obey (Mk. 16:16).