September 2019 Messenger Newsletter

"Rejoice with me."
(Luke 15:6, 9)

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Luke 15:1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Luke 15:3 So he told them this parable:
Luke 15:4 "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?
Luke 15:5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.
Luke 15:6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'
Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

Luke 15:8 "Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?
Luke 15:9 When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.'
Luke 15:10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

NSRV & Believer's Study Bible (BSB) Notes

[Luke 15:2] The point of the three parables in this chapter is the joy of God when the lost is recovered. God's joy is to forgive and restore. The trilogy exhibits an increasing preciousness in value: a sheep, a coin lost from the headdress (a portion of the dowry) of a married woman, and a son. The vivid concept of the tragedy of lostness recurs throughout the parables, but is ultimately overshadowed by the heavenly joy which follows the finding of the precious object of devotion. Again the focus of heaven is depicted as resting upon the question of salvation above all else.

[Luke 15:7] Jesus does not say that there are people who need no repentance. The Pharisees and the scribes are those to whom He refers. The "just" persons are actually "self-righteous" one who have not begun to see their need for repentance.

[Luke 15:8] The lighting of a lamp is necessary because such a house would have no windows.

Readings for the week of September 22nd
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
First: Amos 8: 4-7
Psalm 113
Second: 1 Timothy 2: 1-7
Gospel: Luke 16: 1-13

Sunday Worship Services at 10:00am
Sunday School at 9:00am

Thursday Bible Study (Library) 10:30 am
Holy Communion Service (Sanctuary) Noon