Luke 18

JESUS CHALLENGES OUR UNDERSTANDING:

1.     The setting and the issue.

a.     Luke 15:1-2 

b.     There were objections to God’s mercy.

2.     The shepherd’s compassion. 

a.     Luke 15:3-7 

b.     He does not give up. V.4b

c.     He carries the sheep. V.5

d.     There is Heaven centered celebration. V.7

e.     Matthew 18:14 

f.      God pursues the lost. (through the work of the Holy Spirit).

g.     2 Peter 3:9 

3.     A woman’s determination.

a.     Luke 15:8-10 

b.     The lost coin represents something of value—our soul is of great value.

Three steps are taken:

c.     Lights a lamp. Matthew 6:22 

d.     Sweeps the soul. Psalm 139:23-24 

e.     Intense searching.

4.     A father’s love.

a.     Luke 15:11-19

b.     The younger son got lost in his own rebellion.

c.     Luke 15:20

d.     The father was watching for him—expectation.

e.     Luke 15:21-24 

f.      The father restored his place as son.

g.     Luke 15:25-30 

h.     The older son got lost in self-righteousness.

i.      He was angry at his father giving his brother grace.

j.      This is a works-based mindset.

k.     What is the danger of this mindset?  You can be in proximity to God but far away from His heart.

l.      Luke 15:31-32 

m.   The father’s response is golden—all that I have is yours.

5.     Jesus gave an image of the Heavenly Father being gracious and longsuffering.

a.     2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

b.     Galatians 5:22-23