"God seeking the lost" - an interactive look at Luke 15:1-7

By this time in Jesus’ ministry, the societal outcasts (generalised by the general public as “tax collectors and sinners”) were very attracted to Jesus. It would have seemed to them, that Jesus had time and consideration for them that no one else showed. “Tax collectors” were hated as they collaborated with the Roman governing authorities in cheating people and grabbing as much taxation as possible. “Sinners” were those seen to be morally lax or lacking in religious adherence. But this did not stop Jesus from seeking to relate to them. Why??? They may not always be like this. What about their backgrounds, and what issues there may have been. Such descriptions are not the sum total of who there are. They likely lack good relationships and supportive community. Once having transgressed, it was difficult to regain any level of acceptance. Here is a better description of who they are: The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it (Psalm 24:1) … creations of God.

Then there was the self-important party-poopers, who believed that Jesus should spend his time with more respectable people (such as them), and adhere to their religious agenda. The Pharisees and scribes’ biggest complaint was that Jesus was prepared to eat with such “sinners” – sharing food and hospitality being the most intimate sign of friendship and association. The background for this is contained in Luke 5:27-32. One could be, according to the “Pharisees”, contaminated by such close connection.

So Jesus, as was his custom, told a parable, i.e. a story with a major point to it, right in the face of these “Pharisees and scribes”. This would seek to represent God’s views on such matters. But not only this, Jesus told this parable in the presence of those whose status was being lifted in the telling! Compassion was at the centre of Jesus’ ministry and life. In the Gospels you get the sense that Jesus looked into people’s eyes and he saw something. He saw what they needed. (These thoughts in italics from Ron Buford, quoted by Felton & Procter-Murphy.)

Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost …? It’s obvious isn’t it! Wouldn’t everyone act this way!! You would do this, wouldn’t you!?! But maybe the Pharisees actually wouldn’t! Maybe others wouldn’t either!?! Some would rather smugly stay home and [judgmentally] blame the ‘stray’ for causing its own problems (S. Jones). Could Jesus prick their consciences? No matter how rich you are, and how many sheep you own … the “one” would still be important. If you were a hired shepherd and had responsibility for such a herd, wouldn’t you feel that you needed to preserve all one hundred sheep, not just be satisfied with ninety-nine.

That “one” lost sheep would be frightened and lonely, maybe also injured … who knows what misadventure might have befallen it. Describe what it’s like to be “lost”!!! Being “lost” is to be in a situation from which you can’t find a way out (or see an escape), or not being able to cope in the midst of complexity and noise. Can you see that there is a passion and a commitment to this search for the “one” lost sheep??? This ideal owner (or shepherd), that Jesus refers to, was going to search for the “one” … until he finds it. No energy, effort or resources would be spared from this search; and no other outcome than successfully finding this “sheep” is considered.

And having found the lost sheep, there is much rejoicing. Like the retiring Mike Hussey being lifted onto the shoulders of other Australian cricketers (following another test win over Sri Lanka), thus celebrating the triumph of a great career, this (formerly lost) sheep is lifted onto the shoulders of its liberator, celebrating the triumph of the rescue. A great party follows – this was the greatest possible level of excitement.

What do those who are “lost” need??? A friend, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, wise guidance, supportive community, practical assistance, acceptance, a sense of value (usefulness), spiritual nurturing. As we perform this role, or better, partner with God in so acting, these others might recognise God in us, and then begin to appreciate the potential of God in them.

But there was a risk, wasn’t there?!? The ninety-nine had to be left. You could suggest, as some do, that they would have been left in the care of someone else, but the parable doesn’t say so, and I think this lessens the power of the story. Some try to argue that the “wilderness” would be a threat-free place for the “ninety-nine”, but the “wilderness” in the Gospels is more often a place of danger, the primary example being the scene of Jesus’ temptation by the Satan … the “wilderness” (Luke 4:1-2). The ninety-nine will have to be prepared for the risk and sacrifice of the lost “one” being sought. Or to put it another way, we should not try to hang onto God simply for our needs, while there are greater needs around us. God does not just inhabit the church, but inhabits the whole world in search of the lost.

Jesus concludes with irony and sarcasm regarding the “Pharisees” and anyone else that considers themselves too good to associate with the “lost” and troubled. Those that place themselves above others, any others, and think they have a privileged place with God should think again. Rejoicing in heaven occurs around the repentant “sinner” rather than for those who live in (distant) self-satisfaction.

In Ezekiel, God spoke through his prophet about how he felt when his “lost sheep” had been ignored by their self-serving shepherds (referring to the political and religious leadership of Israel) – 34:11-16. God takes the initiative in seeking out those who lack a relationship with Him, and lack the sort of supportive community through which they can cope and grow.