In the following article you will find a brief commentary on Luke 15 that goes along with our Riverside Church Two Year Bible Reading Plan (Volume 1 & Volume 2). This plan will allow you to read the New Testament and Psalms once every year and the Old Testament once every two years.
3 Lost Articles
Luke 15 provides the 3 “lost” parables. They are intended to be taken together. Westminster professor, Edmund Clowney, before his death preached a marvelous sermon highlighting this often over looked truth.
The first two parables (the lost sheep and the lost coin) set the stage for the more famous parable of the lost son. Unlike the sheep and coin, no one goes to look for the lost son. Instead of looking, the older brother in his self-righteousness tries to block the way for his return. The character of the older brother is most certainly an indicting portrayal of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. Their grumbling in response to Jesus’ mercy to sinners sets the stage for the 3 parables the sum of which vividly warn us all of the dangers of pride and self-righteousness. But in sounding that warning, Jesus himself invites us to come and receive mercy!
