The Parables of JesusSample

LOST SHEEP & COIN These two parables are aimed at the Pharisees and scribes after they complained about how much Jesus cared for "sinners and tax collectors." Jesus' love for the lost was a radical departure from the judgment of the religious leaders of the day. Jesus shares how heaven reflects His attitude, not the judgmental attitude of the Pharisees, telling us how heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents. The longer we follow God, the easier it can be to develop a self-righteousness attitude like the Pharisees, so we should ask ourselves how we react when we see even one sinner repent. We should also be asking ourselves what we're doing to go after the "lost sheep" and "lost coins" around us. It's crucial for us to have a heart for "those people," doing everything we can to help them find their way to Christ, and rejoicing loudly with them when they turn to Him.