Read Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.

Luke, the physician is also an evangelist – sharing the teachings of Jesus’ mission and methods of ministry.  In the 15th chapter of the Gospel of Luke, He brings us to a place in the ministry where Jesus causes us to reflect on what we think, what we say, and what we do.  Luke begins by putting us in a setting where conversation takes place among agents of the government, their cohorts, patrons, groupies, “want-a-bee’s,” “scrounges,” and friends.

Apparently, the religious leaders and persons representing the law were not too far away or, perhaps, were grumbling.  That is, complaining in what we call “under their breaths” and judging Jesus’ righteousness and integrity because he was eating with the people that they were excluded as sinners. Probably these were religious folk who whispered loud enough so that Jesus would be embarrassed because, of course, Jesus heard every word that came out of their mouths.  Jesus, the Son of God, was one whose words and actions, whose style and steps, whose talk and walk made significant changes or transformation in lives.  So, he began to tell three parables regarding “lost:”  The parable about the lost sheep; the parable about the lost coin; and the parable about the prodigal son.

You will also note that in the parable about the lost sheep, you, your friends and neighbors are included in the story.  In the parable about the lost coin, the woman, her friends and neighbors are also included in the story.  However, in the parable about the prodigal son, we only hear the conversations of men.  Your experience could include women.  Each one of these parables makes excellent sermons and Bible study topics.  It is easy to have a sermon about the prodigal son.  It is a sermon very much-needed in our community, society, families, and the world.  However, in this sermon, our attention is directed to the subject, “Our Decisions Matter!”

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