Pastor Kevin Long explores Luke 15, a chapter many consider the greatest story ever told. Through three back-to-back parables—the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son—Jesus responds to the religious grumbling of the Pharisees by revealing the heartbeat of God. Pastor Long emphasizes that no matter how far we have wandered or how “self-righteous” we have become, our Heavenly Father is proactively searching for us. The message serves as a reminder that the church is a hospital for the broken, where the “lost” are not just welcomed but celebrated with a Father who runs to meet them.
You Are Valuable
Jesus sets the stage in Luke 15:1-2 by eating with tax collectors and sinners, much to the dismay of the religious elite. To explain why, He shares the value of the individual:
The Lost Sheep: Jesus leaves the 99 to find the 1 (v.4-7)
The Lost Coin: A woman sweeps her entire house to find a single silver coin (v.8-10)
Pastor Long points out that your value is defined by the price paid for you. While Satan whispers that you are worthless and reminds you of your sins, Jesus reminds you that He died on the cross for you knowing exactly what you would do.
You are so valuable that the Creator of the universe considers you worth the search.
Jesus is Searching For You
God is not a passive observer; He is a proactive Seeker. The first two parables, the owner stops everything to find what was lost.
If something has value, you look for it. Jesus is actively searching for the lost right now.
Just as Jesus hung out with “heathens,” we are called to be influencers in our circles – classmates, coworkers, and neighbors. We can lead them back to the Seeker.
If we only surround ourselves with people believers in Christ, who are you going to lead to Christ?
Great Rejoicing
Both the sheep and coin parables end with celebration
When the prodigal returns (v.11-32), the father throws a party. Even the older brother is invited to rejoice. Both brothers had sin and both sons needed the father’s forgiveness. When the lost return, heaven doesn’t just offer a polite nod s party is thrown.
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