Luke 15

“This man receives sinners and eats with them” (v2). The Pharisees, full of their own self-righteousness, were offended that Jesus welcomed “tax collectors and sinners” (v1).  Jesus told parables about a lost coin, a lost sheep, and a lost son to explain the Father’s great love and compassion for those who are far from His kingdom.  He doesn’t wait for them to find the right path; the Shepherd searches for the sheep, the woman searches for the coin, and the Father runs to meet his son.  Rather than condemnation, the “found” son experiences welcome and grace.

“Rejoice with me” (v9).  Not one of us “deserves” a seat at the banquet.  God calls us to extend the same grace and welcome to others that He has extended to us.