In the closing moments of a missions conference, Dr. Kevin Folger turns to Luke chapter 15, a passage that reveals the tender heart of God toward the lost. Drawing from the opening verses, he challenges believers to examine their own attitudes toward sinners and to embrace the Father’s relentless pursuit of every wandering soul. Through three familiar parables, Folger illustrates divine joy in redemption and urges the church to align with God’s mission to seek and save.
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them (Luke 15:1-2 KJV). These verses set the stage for Jesus’ response to criticism from religious leaders. Publicans, Jewish tax collectors aligned with Rome, were viewed as traitors and outcasts, denied access to the temple. Sinners encompassed those whose actions crossed societal lines of acceptability. Yet these very people flocked to Jesus, not because He condoned their behaviour, but because He offered hope through relationship with Him. The Pharisees and scribes, filled with pride in their traditions, grumbled at this inclusion, misunderstanding God’s love that extends to all.
Parable #1 – The Lost Sheep (vv. 3-7)
A shepherd with one hundred sheep notices one missing and leaves the ninety-nine to search until he finds it. He does not scold the stray but carries it home rejoicing, inviting others to celebrate. This mirrors God’s pursuit of the lost. Heaven erupts in joy over one repentant sinner, far more than over those who see no need for repentance. Folger recalls his own salvation at age five in Cleveland Baptist Church, where church members rejoiced, but heaven’s celebration was greater. The shepherd’s diligence reflects the Father’s heart, compelling believers to missions and soul-winning.
Parable #2 – The Lost Coin (vv. 8-10)
A woman with ten silver pieces loses one, likely part of a bridal headdress symbolising love and dowry. She lights lamps, sweeps thoroughly, and searches until it is found, then calls others to rejoice. The loss intensifies from one percent to ten percent, shifting from animal to cherished possession. Folger compares it to misplacing car keys, evoking desperation until recovery brings relief. Again, heavenly joy parallels the woman’s celebration over one repentant soul.
Parable #3 – The Lost Son (vv. 11-32)
The younger son demands his inheritance insolently, wastes it in a far country, and ends in a pigsty, feeding swine, an abomination to Jews. Coming to himself, he rehearses a humble confession and returns. The father, watching from afar, runs to embrace him despite the filth, restoring him fully with robe, ring, shoes, and feast. The older brother resents the celebration, revealing his own hardened heart. Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ attitude in the elder son, who fails to grasp the father’s grace.
Four Take-Home Truths for Every Believer
- God Is Diligent in His Search for Sinners – And so must we be (missions, soul-winning). Like the shepherd, woman, and father, God seeks the lost relentlessly. Missionaries cross oceans, and local churches canvass neighbourhoods because every soul matters. Faith Promise commitments fuel this work.
- Acceptance Comes Only Through Brokenness and Humility – Empty of pride, full of repentance. The son returns unworthy, yet the father restores. Pride blocks grace; brokenness invites it. All have sinned and fall short, needing Christ’s propitiation.
- You Can Be Lost Inside or Outside the Father’s House – Position ≠ salvation. The older brother, dutiful yet unloving, mirrors those relying on heritage or works. Salvation requires personal faith in Christ, not family ties.
- God Expects Us to Share His Heart for the Lost – Every starfish counts. With billions unsaved, believers must care for those nearby. One starfish returned to the sea makes a difference, as does one soul won to Christ.
Dr. Kevin Folger’s exposition of Luke 15 calls the church to reflect God’s pursuing love, repent where needed, and actively share the gospel. Heaven’s joy awaits each found sinner; may believers labour to fill it.
