Parable of the Lost Sheep

1) Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. 2) And both the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." 3) So He told them this parable, saying, 4) "What man among you, if he has one hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5) And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6) And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7) I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:1-7, LSB)

1. Who is Jesus directing this parable to?

2. As you review the context of Luke 15:1-2, who does the sheepherder represent? Who are the sheep?

3. What is the meaning of Jesus' question? What is the point of the parable?

Parable of the Lost Coin

8) "Or what woman, if she has ten drachmas and loses one drachma, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9) And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost!' 10) In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:8-10, LSB)

4. Who represents the lost coin?

5. What is Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees and scribes? How is this criticism different from the Parable of the Lost Sheep?