Was there a time in your life when God was more important in your life than he is now? There is a way back to God. The Devil will tell you otherwise. Jesus is the friend of sinners. What do you want most in life? What do you think about most often? What activities consume the most of your time? In the past week how much time have you spent reading the Bible and praying? Jesus was criticised for being a friend of sinners. It was the sinners of that day who came to hear Jesus. It does not take much size to criticise.

1 – The sinful condition of mankind – the sheep

The sheep is a picture of a weak man. You do not see too many sheep doing tricks. They are pretty dumb animals. Jesus keeps company with sheep. They never seem to learn. A sheep is dependent upon the shepherd. A sheep is ready for the slaughter. It is one of the most defenceless of animals.

2 – The worthlessness of mankind – the coin

If you lose a silver coin or an ordinary coin the result is the same. One is no more value than the other. It is unprofitable. The coin was lost in the darkness. There are those who are afraid of the light never mind the darkness. The coin is on the ground lost in the dirtiness. A woman was given ten pieces of silver by her husband which she wore as a chain on her brow. If a woman was unfaithful a coin would be removed. There was an ugly gap there. It was a disgrace. To lose a coin from the chain meant that the woman might be considered unfaithful. This is why she looks so hard to find the coin.

3 – The wilfulness of mankind – lost son

The son wanted his inheritance now. It was like saying “I wish you were dead”. It was a life of depression. Sin is costly. It was a life of degradation. To work with swine (pigs) was the lowest that a Jew could go. It was a life of dissatisfaction. The son had to eat the food of the pigs. Is there a gnawing hunger to come home?

3 – The saving compassion of God

Notice the Father, Son and Holy Spirit of God are in agreement in showing saving compassion to mankind.

• The Son of God – He leaves the ninety-nine to rescue the one that is lost. Why did he leave the glory of Heaven for stupid sheep? He loves you! It does not matter to him what you have done. Jesus and the angels rejoice.
• God the Spirit – There is a candle and a broom. The Spirit of God is the light of God that illuminates the mind of man. He is the one who sweep his broom to drive away the dirt. I hope the Holy Spirit will disturb the dirt in your life and make you clean. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.
• God the Father – The father ran to meet his wayward son and hugged and kissed him. The son wants to come home. Put a ring on his hand, a robe and make a feast. My son who was lost has come home. The door is wide open and he says “Come Home”.

There is no one so good that they do not need saved (The older son). There is no one so bad that they cannot be saved (The younger son). Jesus is the friend of sinners.

Categories: Luke