September 27, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 15
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
Luke chapter 15 is one of the most well-known chapters of the New Testament, which recounts three powerful parables: the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Coin, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. These parables emphasize the central theme of God’s unconditional love and the joy over the repentance of sinners. Jesus directs these stories at the Pharisees and scribes who grumbled about Him dining with sinners. Each parable presents a valuable lesson about forgiveness, grace, and the importance of repentance.
Commentary:
The chapter begins with the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Here, Jesus demonstrates that the shepherd who loses one of his hundred sheep goes to great lengths to find it. He leaves the 99 that are not lost in safety to seek the one that is lost. This illustrates the immense love of God, who cares for each individual soul and does not leave it to perish. The joy of the shepherd who finds the lost sheep is a picture of the heavenly joy when a sinner repents. It reminds us that no one is too lost for God and that He actively seeks those who have strayed from the right path.
The second parable, the Parable of the Lost Coin, further reinforces this message. It tells of a woman who loses one of her ten valuable coins and diligently searches for it until she finds it. Again, great joy follows when she recovers the lost item. This parable underscores God’s attentiveness, even to what seems small and insignificant, and shows that every soul is of immeasurable value.
The third and longest parable, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, vividly illustrates God’s forgiveness. The younger son demands his inheritance, squanders it, and ends up in extreme poverty and despair. When he finally returns repentant to his father, he is not met with punishment or reproach but with open arms and unconditional love. The father symbolizes God, who is ready to receive any sinner who genuinely repents and returns to Him. This parable showcases the depth of divine grace and the great celebration of reunion that takes place in heaven when a sinner returns.
Interestingly, the Parable of the Prodigal Son does not end with the joyous celebration but with the reaction of the older brother, who is angry and jealous of his father’s grace. He sees himself as the “righteous one” who never strayed from the right path and feels it is unfair that his lost brother is treated so generously. Here, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes is depicted, as they complain about Jesus’ dealings with sinners. However, the father reminds the older son that the return of the lost brother is a cause for joy because he was lost and is now found.
Summary:
Luke chapter 15 is a chapter of joy and hope. Through the Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son, Jesus illustrates how precious each individual soul is to God. It highlights God’s infinite grace and the joy in heaven when a sinner repents. These parables teach us that God’s love knows no bounds and that it is never too late to repent and receive forgiveness. At the same time, the chapter admonishes humility and reminds us that we should not judge others but rejoice with God over anyone who finds their way back.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again
This chapter is based on Matthew 21:12-16, 23-46; Mark 11:15-19, 27-33; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 19:45-48; Luke 20:1-19.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
In Chapter 65, we witness a pivotal event from the life of Jesus, where He once again cleanses the temple of unholy business dealings. This scene highlights the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship and demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to true worship. At the same time, Jesus reveals Himself as the divine King and Judge, fighting against hypocrisy and corruption in the temple, while the Jewish leaders grow increasingly hostile towards Him.
Commentary:
The cleansing of the temple is a powerful symbol of purity and respect in worship. Jesus demonstrates that true worship is not about outward rituals, but about obedience and a sincere heart. By driving out the merchants and healing the sick within the temple, He reveals the contrast between His mission of healing and the greed of the religious leaders. This act of Jesus serves as a profound warning to all believers not to honor God merely through rituals, but through lives that embody love, justice, and compassion. The hypocrisy of the priests, who rejected Jesus’ authority, is an example of how the religious elite can reject spiritual truths.
Summary:
The second cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ role as the divine King and Judge, who purifies the temple of corruption and restores it as a place of true worship. His actions show that God values obedience and a sincere heart over ritual sacrifices. The response of the religious leaders, who opposed Him, symbolizes the rejection of divine truth and serves as a serious warning. Jesus’ parables, such as the one about the cornerstone, call for repentance and illustrate that Christ is the central foundation of our faith—the rock upon which we must build.
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