God’s Purpose

The RCL (Revised Common Lectionary) suggested Gospel reading for this coming Sunday is Luke 15:1-10.

Chapter 15 in Luke’s Gospel is about the lost: Lost sheep, lost coin, lost sons. These are popular and well-known parables. There are volumes and volumes of commentary and explanation to the meaning of these stories. They are powerful. They are important. In fact, some say that the Parable of the Lost Son is really the gospel in a nutshell. Those things are all true. But I wonder…are we losing sight of the forest because we are focused upon the trees?

Really, I want to ask the question: What was the purpose of Jesus telling these parables? Why have they been preserved and passed down for generations?

What does Jesus really want us to know?

I think it all boils down to purpose: for Jesus, for the church, for us. Jesus teaches these parables in response to self-righteous religious leaders who accused him of dining with “sinners”. Jesus wants them to know that God is concerned with people who organized religion has left behind. In doing so Jesus questions the purpose of their religion. Jesus lays claim to God’s purpose for religion.

Jesus states in numerous places that his purpose is to seek and save the lost ones. That is what these beloved parables illustrate: God’s will for the outsiders is to bring them in so they can join the party. And what a party it will be! Even the angels are celebrating! God invites us into that party too! Come join the party and celebrate the lost being found!