Lucas 15
Dwight Pentecost · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 15
Pentecost observes "While the reply contained three parables, it was collectively a single parable; and Luke referred to Christ’s response as “this parable” (Luke 15:3). The following parables are connected to the first by the word “OR” (Lk 15:8) and the words “JESUS CONTINUED” (Lk 15:11NIV), showing that there are not three replies, but a single reply to the question concerning God’s attitude toward sinners." (The Parables - page 96) This tri-partite parable is like a mirror to show the Pharisees their heart and to open a window to heaven. This section has been called "the heart of the Third Gospel"... -- R Kent Hughes
Lucas 15
Pentecost adds that in personalizing this parable, Jesus "caused each of His hearers to immediately take personal interest in what was of value to the one who had suffered a loss. Christ’s opening statement caused His listeners to evaluate their own responses to such a situation. The Lord knew that because of the value of what had been lost, any of these hearers would have left the ninety—nine to go seek the lost sheep. The search would not have been casual or of short duration; rather, it would have been diligent and would have extended until the valuable lost sheep was found. The search would have been initiated and pursued because of the value placed on what the owner had lost." (See The Parables of Jesus: Lessons in Life from the Master Teacher) What man - In the parable the man is clearly a shepherd, and is representative of Jesus as the Chief Shepherd (1 Pe 5:4, cf Heb 13:20), even as He taught in John 10:14-17: “I am the Good Shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep (FORESHADOWING HIS CRUCIFIXION). 16 “I have other sheep ("GENTILE" SHEEP), which are not of this fold (JEWISH "SHEEP"); I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. The picture of lost sheep was used Ezekiel to figuratively describe the nation of Israel Ezekiel 34:6, 11, 12, 16 - “My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them.”’” (34:11) For thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. (34:12) “As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. (34:16) “I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment.