Overview: Luke chapter 15 records an exchange between Jesus and some Pharisees who were critical of him because he “…welcomes sinners and eats with them.” He takes their criticism head-on with three parables, one about a good shepherd finding his lost sheep, another about a woman finding her lost coin, andl one about a loving father rejoicing over the return of a lost son. In his message, Jesus communicates his theology of purpose, grace, and joy. The theme often overlooked in his stories and in modern Christianity is the theology of repentance, the theme that brought the most joy in each story and the action to which he was calling the Pharisees.
The Parable of the Good Shepherd (Lost Sheep)
In the Parable of the Good Shepherd (Or Parable of the Lost Sheep) the Pharisees come face to face with the prophesy of Ezekiel, they have failed as the shepherds go intended them to be and through their religion, have neglected the lost sheep. The main point of the parable is that God loves his sheep and only through the good shepherd (Jesus) will the lost sheep be found and there will be great joy in heaven. Luke 15:1-7, Ezekiel 34, John 10:1-18, Matthew 18:10-14 Link to Sermon Notes
The Parable of the Loving father
Luke 15:11-32 Traditionally the title given to these teachings has been “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” Focusing only on the younger son could lead a disciple to miss the main character and great theology. This sermon explores the participation theater Jesus draws his audience into based on the cultural setting . In the end we have a call to action for the Pharisees in the audience and teachings we can take away about sin, freedom, repentance, grace, and joy in the better named “Parable of the Loving Father.” Link to Sermon Notes
Bible Class Audio: Sermon on the Mount
December 26, 2010 “The House Built on a Rock: The Church”
December 19, 2010 “O Lord Won’t You Buy Me a Mercedes Benz?”
December 12, 2010 “Daily Bread?” Notes
December 5, 2010 “The Lord’s Prayer” Notes
November 28, 2010 “Purer Motives” Notes
November 21, 2010 “Be Perfect as Your Heavenly Father is Perfect” Notes
September 12, 2010 “Salt of the Earth and Light of the World (Part 4) Notes
September 5, 2010 “Salt of the Earth and Light of the World (Part 3) Notes
August 29, 2010 “Salt of the Earth and Light of the World (Part 2) Notes
August 22, 2010 “Salt of the Earth and Light of the World(Part 1) Notes
August 15, 2010 “The Blessings of Jesus (Remix)”
August 8, 2010 “The Blessings of Jesus (Part 2)” Notes
August 1, 2010 “The Blessings of Jesus (Part 1)” Notes
July 25, 2010 Notes
June 20, 2010 “Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount (Part II) Notes
June 13, 2010 “Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount” Notes
May 23, 2010 “Kingdom of God (Part 2) Notes
Nicodemus
John 3:16: The message to Nicodemus is clear Jesus isn’t just from God he is God. He was lifted on the cross so that whoever like Jews on the serpent gazes on it will be saved through a rebirth through the spiritual cleansing of baptism. Our rebirth isn’t just a new addition to our life or a way to reform it…we die to the old life. If Nicodemus can do it so can we. Link to sermon notes
The Journey
When the Israelites stood at the far side of the Red Sea they had escaped certain death and were delivered to life by the hand of God, but their journey wasn’t over. The Israelites wandered through the wilderness before reaching their promise, and it wasn’t always pretty. At times God’s anger burned toward them but in the end both He and they looked back their wanderings with fondness.
The Israelite’s story is our story. When we stand at the banks of our salvation we have to know that our spiritual journey is not over, it’s only beginning. We will journey through the wilderness of our lives and like the Israelites, Christian wilderness travelers trust God, need each other, look for God’s glory, and never turn back. Link to Notes
Exodus 14, Exodus 33, Jeremiah 2:1-2, Psalms 103, Luke 9:23, Matthew 22:36-40, 1 John 1:7, Philippians 3:12-14