Luke 15 opens with tax collectors and sinners coming near to hear Jesus while the Pharisees grumble that He receives sinners and eats with them. The lesson reads the three parables that follow as a revelation of the Father’s heart. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one sheep, the woman sweeps the house for her lost coin, and each calls friends to rejoice, because there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
The longest part follows the younger son: his squandering, the misery of sinful living, the signs of true repentance when he comes to his senses, and the father’s incomprehensible love that runs to meet him and restores him as a son. The older brother’s jealousy shows a love that is misunderstood by those who think they have earned it. The lesson closes with the gospel for sinners: dead in trespasses, made alive with Christ, saved by grace through faith.