Luke 15:10 Commentary and Bible Study

All three parables in this chapter are directed to the scribes and Pharisees. In spite of their hostility, Christ still deals compassionately with them, albeit he must warn them solemnly. But the warning the last parable is so tender and feelingfully expressed.The Pharisees are being told they are out of sympathy with heaven, and that is a very dangerous position to be in. All those who receive a place in heaven rejoice with heaven’s purpose, and they minds are convinced of the wisdom of God’s way of salvation before they leave this world. It is those who are the enemies of God and who oppose his grace, who cannot agree that God should work in this way. So often, they do not agree because they reject grace, and don’t want to accept a free salvation. They do not want to acknowledge they are helpless sinners, in need of the redemption that only Christ can provide. They find the gospel offensive as it points to their sin, and so they will not accept that God deals with other in this way, and that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone.The heart of God is moved, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: their highest joy is when they bring a person, a man, a woman, a young person, to themselves. It is unlikely, by comparison, that the Prime Minister of the day is that personally overjoyed to learn that some new person has become a member of his political party. But the supreme intention of heaven at this time is that people who are away from God should come one by one to come and to find him and to know him. We are so insignificant, you would think, and yet the salvation of just one individual brings great pleasure to God. God knows you, and he becomes your God. You become his child, and he is full of kindness and love towards you.