THE PARABLES OF THE LOST

Introduction:

A. Have You Ever Lost Anything?

1. Where you frustrated at having lost it?

2. Did you search diligently until you found it?

3. How did you feel when you found it?

B. Jesus Compares "The Lost."

Body: Mark 15: 1 - 10

I. The Scenario.

A. Jesus is teaching.

B. He was "fellowshipping" with sinners and tax collectors.

II. The Parable Of The Lost Sheep.

A. Owner of a hundred sheep.

B. One strays from the flock.

1. Whose fault was it that the sheep got away?

2. Whose responsibility was it to return the sheep?

C. Owner searches for and finds.

1. How much effort would have been expended?

2. How long and how many other things were delayed?

D. Returns home rejoicing.

III. The Parable Of The Lost Coin.

A. Woman loses one of ten coins.

1. Possibly a wedding garment (bracelet, necklace, headdress).

2. Possibly one tenth of her income.

3. A part of her alms?

B. Searches diligently and finds it.

1. Brings in extra light.

2. Cleans everything.

C. Rejoices at finding it.

IV. Greater Joy.

A. Heaven has greater joy over sinner's repentance.

B. Joy in the presence of the angels greater over sinner's repentance.

Conclusion:

A. What's More Important?

1. Eating with the right crowd or reaching out to sinners?

2. Searching for what we have lost or what God has lost?

B. Are You More Like Jesus Or The Pharisees?