John walks us through Luke 15 this week and reminds of the foundation for the mission of the Church.
Here is the link that John refers to in the sermon: http://thomrainer.com/2018/01/four-unique-characteristics-churches-will-breakout-2018/
For Personal Reflection/Small Group Study
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- As you read through Luke 15, pay close attention to the way Jesus tells three different, yet similarly themed, parables. Take some time and actually outline the parable in this way- situation, response, outcome, eternal implication.
- Read Luke 15:1-2. Why do you think “tax collectors and other notorious sinners often cam to listen to Jesus teach”?
- Read both Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7. Compare/contrast the versions of this parable. What might we learn from the differences? How does Matthew’s account help you better understand what Luke is trying to communicate?
- Read Luke 15:8-10. When you misplace something, how do you determine how much effort you will put into finding it?
- Read Luke 15:11-32 using multiple English translations. What is something new that you learned by reading through this parable in this way? What is something that you understood more fully because you read it in this way? How is this parable different than the others?
- Note the difference in numbers…99 sheep, 10 coins, 2 brothers. Is there any significance to this?