Luke 15:1-10
Let’s continue to remember to pray for Jim and Marty – Debbie and Julie also!
“Notice what you notice.” Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled… (vv. 1-2a) I’m trying to picture the dynamic between these sinners and “saints”. I can see the Pharisees and scribes tailing Jesus from a distance, not wanting to appear to be too interested, but more than willing to challenge Him if an occasion arose. Then imagine their increased scorn when sinners throng to Him…!
My Study Bible suggested that Jesus may have been speaking with irony when He said …there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (v. 7). As I think about it, I can agree that Jesus was speaking ironically – there is NO ONE who does not need repentance. It may be that the scribes and Pharisees had set themselves above the sinners, but in God’s eyes they (and we) are all sinners in need of repentance.
Finally, I always imagine the scribes and Pharisees to be a wealthier lot, people who might be owning 100 sheep, but certainly not tending them. So I can’t imagine they could relate much to the love a shepherd might have for that one missing sheep. Also, I can’t imagine them having only ten silver coins and losing one. Maybe 10,000 silver coins and losing 1,000, but that’s a different perspective. Bottom line – it’s clear to me that this parable was meant for the sinners and not the “saints”. So, fellow sinners, take a lesson!
Slava Bohu!