Luke is the only Gentile writer in the entire compilation of scripture. He is credited with penning both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. He presents the story of salvation to a desperate world in need of a Savior. Only in the gospel of Luke do we have the “Parable of the Prodigal Son” Although that subtitle was not in the original text. Yet, that story of one father and two lost sons demonstrated beautifully the love of God, being told by the perfect, righteous, humble, obedient son Himself, Jesus. But before we go into an in-depth review of chapter 15, I would like to further introduce Luke.
Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man, a messianic title from the prophecy of Daniel (Dan 7:13), and as the son of David (Luke 3:31). (He) focuses on Jesus’ humanity and beautifully details the announcement of His incarnation and His birth (Luke 1 and 2). Luke is the only Gospel that gives a glimpse into Jesus’ childhood years (Luke 2:40, Luke 2:42-43). The genealogy in Luke begins with Joseph, as the husband of Mary, and traces Jesus’ ancestry through Mary’s bloodline, from the line of David (making Jesus the biological heir to the throne of David), and all the way back to the first man, Adam.
The symbol of the Gospel of Luke is a man, representing Jesus’ incarnation in human form. First miracle: a demon expelled. The book ends with the promise of the Spirit and continues in Acts.1
Luke, a Physician and Educated Writer Presents the Love of God for Gentiles
As God would choose various writers to whom the Holy Spirit would dictate to write, it is no wonder Luke was chosen. He was highly educated, a physician of his day, and close companion to Paul. Furthermore, as a physician, he had the inquisitive, intellectual mind that must always pay attention to detail. Medicine requires a holistic approach that is very much like the investigative reporter who cannot be satisfied unless every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly. No stone left unturned to ascertain the truth is told.
Since many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in an orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Luke 1 (NASB)
The name Theophilus is from the Greek word “theophilos” and means “friend of God” or “loved by God.” The most common theory is that Theophilus was of high social standing who was a friend of Luke. In his Gospel, Luke addressed Theophilus as “most excellent”, which is a Roman title of respect and possibly of official importance 2
And Why Would Luke do this?
Because Luke wanted there to be an exact case for Christ. Much like Lee Strobel’s account of “A Case for Christ” which was the story of an investigative reporter who set out to prove Christ did not exist. However, at the conclusion he reported the evidence proved Christ is who He said He is. The difference between the modern writer and Luke was that Luke was able to interview eyewitnesses. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Luke.
Luke presented the love of God clearly through the eyes of Jesus, God’s Son. Perhaps also why his is the only gospel to include the story of one father with two lost sons, commonly referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. His gospel account also includes a series of praise psalms (1:46-55, 1:68-79, 2:14, 2:29-32,34,45)
Mary’s Song of the Love of God
46 And Mary said:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.” Luke 1: (NKJV)
Zechariah at the birth of John the Baptist sang of the Love of God
67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,
70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began,
71 That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
74 To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1: (NKJV)
And the Angels sang
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 (NKJV)
Luke also frequently wrote and “and these things pondered Mary in her heart.” This indicates Luke had intimate knowledge of Mary’s thoughts. Knowlege he could only obtain with a direct interview with Mary. She knew Jesus was God’s Son. But perhaps, she did not fully know the entire story. How hard would it have been if she had known from the beginning all that her baby boy must suffer. She too had to live each day by faith. Yet as to what she pondered in her heart, there was this statement from Simeon.
Simeon had waited a lifetime for the Messiah
He waited and watched. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby into the temple, Simeon immediately knew this baby was the Messiah. He sang a song of praise and then he said this.
Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35 (NKJV)
Here he intimated to Mary that her heart would be broken.
Jesus Grew and at Age 30, his ministry began
All along the way, Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and taught of God’s Kingdom to come. He taught the scripture and presented the love of God to both Jew and Gentile, to the righteous pharisees and to the wretched sinners. For that reason, those who believed themselves righteous hated Him to the point where they would seek His death. Their hearts became very wretched. And so, we reach Luke 15.
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near Jesus to listen to Him. And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (NASB)
To place these parables in Context
So, then Jesus began to speak to them in parables. He starts with these three stories presenting to them why he must receive the tax collectors and sinners. From the time that Adam had taken the bite of the forbidden fruit, all of mankind is lost and separated from God. Spiritually dead and can only be reunited to God through a blood sacrifice. Yet, from that day there has been a thread of those who would believe, “chosen before the foundations of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4). Still there was also given choice so that no one can blame God. Romans 1:18-23 is very clear that God has reviewed Himself to every person born.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1: 20 (NASB)
Therefore, as we look at these scriptures, we need to accept this truth. God is Sovereign and, in His Sovereignty, He gave us freewill. Within our finite mind confined by space and time, we may not fully understand this truth. Yet, we accept this truth on faith. Both are equally true although they appear impossible to both be true at the same time. Francis Shaffer referred to this as antinomy. C.S. Lewis also discusses this in Mere Christianity.
Parables to Confront the Pharisees and Reveal the Love of God
And so He told them this parable, saying, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the other ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he puts it on his shoulders, rejoicing. Luke 15: 3-5 (NASB)
As you notice, he speaks of the 100 sheep that are His own. My sheep know my voice. One is lost and He goes to find that one. Yet here we have Jesus go on to say,
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:6-7 (NASB).
So, we see He confronted them with the truth that the message of salvation is to be taken to the lost. Although Jesus knows who of these are His and will follow Him, He calls them all. Only His will respond. He knows this. However, He gives the invitation to all, anyway. Both the sinner and the Pharisee.
We are to teach the gospel message to all. Even those we “pridefully think are not worthy to be saved.” I know I am not worthy. That must remain foremost in my thoughts so I can humbly teach the gospel to anyone God asks me to. But these Pharisees think they are worthy.
Second Parable to confront the Pharisees—to show the love of God
“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the coin which I had lost!’ 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 (NASB)
These 10 silver coins were bound together as a dowry and headdress for a woman to wear on her forehead for her wedding day and thereafter. …
The coin meant more to her than the value of the precious silver. For her to lose it would be losing face in her community, and to become shameful before her husband. Thus upon losing any one coin, she must make a desperate search to find it again. Her whole life and marriage depended on this coin!3
This exemplifies, that each one of us as the bride of Christ will be sought after by the Holy Spirit of God. Not one will be missing. All who are His will be saved and kept to the end.
Third Parable—A Father and His Two Sons.
And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ And so he divided his wealth between them. Luke 15: 11-12 (NASB)
This is like saying, Listen Old Man, I want my inheritance now, but you refuse to die. So, since you are not dying yet, just give it to me now so I can just go away. This was something very disrespectful and in fact according to the law, his son could be stoned to death for such a suggestion. However, this is the loving Father, willing to face all the criticism and shame from society to give the son what he requested. Much like God does for us His children, when we demand things or walk away. He lets His own children march off sometimes to do their own thing their own way.
A Famine Will Come from Our Own Heart
And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in wild living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began doing without. Luke 15:13-14 (NASB)
Our famine can be monetary, social, at work or at home. Yet, often famine is one of the heart. Deep depression, dissatisfaction, despair, fear, or worry. It comes when we realize all that stuff we thought we wanted could not bring joy or satisfy the longing in our hearts.
So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he longed to have his fill of the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving him anything. Luke 15:15-16 (NASB)
Imagine the pharisees listening. There is nothing lower than to be feeding pigs for a Jewish boy. He smelled like pigs and even was competing with the pigs to eat their food.
But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired laborers have more than enough bread, but I am dying here from hunger! I will set out and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired laborers.”’ So he set out and came to his father. Luke 15:17-20 (NASB)
The Love of the Father is boundless
But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let’s eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:20-24
The Love of God is Boundless
I was known by the Father before I came to Him. He knew me before the foundations of the world. So, I was His child, even though I was lost. I had to come to the place that I recognized I was a sinner in need of a Savior for me to humbly repent and ask Jesus to be Lord of my life, knowing only His blood could pay the price for my sin.
Then, again, in my Christian Walk, there are times I went into the far country, and He watched me go. He knew I would have famine and despair. And then in desperation I would come to myself, recognize the love He had always given me and return. No matter how filled with guilt and shame I am, He comes running to place His righteous robe over me. Like the Father in the story, no pride holds back His love. It was a shameful act for a grown man to run in this time in history. And even worse, to kiss his son covered with the filth of pigs. But He ran anyway and kissed him. Just as God does for me. His love comes running after me.
Then there is the “I deserved More” Son
“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he became angry and was not willing to go in; Luke 15:25-28 (NASB)
Perhaps the one most of us are most prone to be. We get caught up in the me ideology. If you loved me you would. But notice this. This act of anger and staying outside was also disrespectful to the Father. It showed a lack of respect and love as well. But the Father goes out to him.
his father came out and began pleading with him. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ Luke 15:28-30 (NASB)
Yep, how often are we there. I did everything. Tithed, read my Bible, worked and even went out to witness door to door. Why did you not give me……..
And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live and was lost and has been found.’” Luke 15:31-32 (NASB)
Concluding thoughts:
You have all that I have. Our heavenly Father says the same. We are blessed with every heavenly blessing as we are told in Ephesians. Yet, we are not satisfied. Nor do we really in our hearts want “those people to be blessed and saved”. And as for the Pharisees. Did Jesus mean they were already saved as well? Not individually. But the nation is still God’s chosen nation and one day they will repent and return to Him. They have always had His blessings, but what about these sinners and tax collectors. God has shown He loves them too. He told the nation to be a witness to all nations and they did not.
1 Abbott, Shari Jesus in the Gospels: What are the Four Different Presentations of Jesus? » Reasons for Hope* Jesus (reasonsforhopejesus.com)
2 Who is Theophilus in the Bible books of Luke and Acts? (bibleinfo.com)
3 The Parable Of The Lost Coin
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024
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