Luke 15

Luke 15 contains three parables with a similar message. Two of these parables (the lost coin and the prodigal son) are unique to Luke.

The three parables have the same progression. Something of great value is lost, it is found, its return is celebrated with great joy.

Sheep (1/100) can wonder. Sheep are helpless when they are by themselves. The shepherd values each sheep in the flock so when one goes missing it's worth leaving the rest of the flock to find the lost one. We are like that. We can wonder from God, but we are each so valuable to God that He will pursue us and try to bring us back to Him. And when we return to Him He celebrates with great joy.

A coin (1/10) can't wonder but it can be lost. It has great value, so when one is lost a diligent search is made to find it. God highly values each of us and works diligently to bring us back to Him. And when one of us returns to Him He celebrates with great joy.

A son (1/2) can rebel and be foolish. He is greatly loved by the father, but cannot be restrained, so when he goes astray the father is grieved. The son has to make his own choices, and reap the consequences of those choices. When the son comes to the father of his own free will the father runs to greet him. God is our Father and He wants us to draw near to Him of our own free will. We rebel and act foolishly, which often ends up making life hard for ourselves, but God is always willing to welcome us back. When one of God's beloved children returns He celebrates with great joy - sparing no expense.

The older son in that parable represents the religious leaders who, though they put on the appearance of loyalty by staying near the house, would not enter into the joy of the celebration because of their self-righteous attitude. The Father also invited them, but they excluded themselves - also rebelling against the will of the Father and causing themselves harm.