Three stories of lost and found in Luke 15

“A parable is a short story, proverb, or riddle that is meant to challenge one’s notions and provoke change in one’s life—if the hearer’s heart is ready to both understand and apply the message.”

Three stories of lost and found - Luke 15

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:2 (NIV)

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7 (NIV)

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NIV)

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” Luke 15:31-32 (NIV)

When a sinner comes to repentance it is celebrated:

In Heaven, which is the place where God rules
By the angels, who are the servants of God
By God the Father himself because it is what he wants

He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-48 (NIV)