Finding the Lost

Week 2: Finding the Lost

Luke 15:1-10

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering and Opening (10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, discuss the following: Share a time you were physically lost or felt emotionally lost.

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read: Luke 15:1-10.

• To whom is this parable directed? [Pharisees and scribes complaining that Jesus was extending fellowship with the outcast and seemingly “lost.”] How does that impact our understanding of this parable?
• Which group (outcast/lost or Pharisees/scribes) are the ones likely to feel like they are on the outside? [The Pharisees would have named tax collectors and sinners as lost sheep of God’s flock. The implication of Jesus’ parable is that they (religious leaders) are part of the lost sheep. Thus, Jesus’ ministry to the lowest, least, and the lost would cause the religious leaders to feel slighted and even angry (see the older brother in the story of the parable.)]
• While many are more familiar with the so-called parable of the prodigal son in the next part of the parable following Luke 15:1-10, Jesus tells all three stories as one parable (15:3). How do these first two stories set up the following parable? [There is sacrificial searching (leaving the 99, sweeps even at night); there is finding (sheep and, especially coins, are unable to return); and there is a celebration for the one that is found. Uncritically read, the story of the prodigal son is misread as a “returning” story instead of as a “searching,” “finding,” and celebrating story.]
• (R) Who in our neighborhoods would likely point to themselves as outsiders? How do we continue to do the work of seeking and finding?
• Who, in our world, would consider themselves “lost”? How would this parable be received as good news? [God is with them, searching for them, desires reconciliation, and to celebrate with them.]

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

Lord, your mercies are new every morning, and all day long you work for redemption. Stir up in us the desire to be your disciples in all areas of our lives, that others would see in us your grace, mercy, and love. Amen.