Teachings From Three Parables in the Gospel of Luke

The three parables contained in chapter fifteen of the Gospel of Luke are a tightly woven trio anchored on either side by closely related teachings. The preceding chapter gives instruction on humility and hospitality, telling the reader to open the invitation to one’s meal table to all, including the poor, the sick, and the unclean. In the following chapter the reader finds instructions for how to use wealth to benefit those same people. In the middle of these we find chapter fifteen, containing the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal and his brother. As a part of the triplet, the parable of the lost sheep challenges the reader to not only invite the poor into one’s community, but to receive them as family with joy and celebration.

The Gospel itself was most likely written to a mostly Gentile, urban audience and consistently shows a preferential option for the poor. Readers see numerous instances where the author depicts Jesus as claiming the poor as those who will receive the blessings of Heaven and instructing his followers about the dangers of possessions and wealth. It is obvious that the evangelist was concerned with how his or her local community was responding to the poor and how they were gaining and using their wealth.

A parallel of the parable of the lost sheep is found in the Gospel of Matthew. The remaining two parables in chapter fifteen of this Gospel are unique. The reader may assume that the source of the material found in and around this passage comes from both Q and Special L. The use of triplets is common in Luke and that is precisely the literary technique we find in chapter fifteen. The parable of the lost coin that follows the lost sheep is almost identical in content. Th...

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... Isaiah 40:11; 49:22

Luke 16:19-31

Luke 4:34; 5:37; 6:9; 8:24; 9:24-25; 11:51; 13:3,5,33; 15:4,6,8,9,17,24,32; 17:27,29,33; 19:10,47; 20:16; 21:18 Additionally, it occurs twice in Acts, 17 times in the Gospel of Matthew, 9 times in the Gospel of Mark, and 10 times in the Gospel of John.

Luke 5:37; 11:51; 13:33; 17:27,29; 19:47; 20:16

Luke 9:24,25; 17:33

Luke 9:25; 19:10; 15:4,6,8,9,24,32

Luke 15:4,6,8,9,32; 19:10

Luke 15:1-7

Euriskw occurs 26 times in the Gospel of Matthew, 10 times in the Gospel of Mark, and 16 times in the Gospel of John.

Luke 15:6

Luke 15:9

Luke 15:32

Luke 14:13-14

Luke 1:14,28; 6:23; 10:20; 13:17; 15:5, 32; 19:6,37; 22:5; 23:8

As a form of greeting 1:28; 19:6. As being pleased or happy 22:5; 23:8. As a form of celebration 1:14; 6:23; 10:20; 13:17; 15:5,32; 19:37

Luke 1:58

Luke 15:7

Luke 2:10

Luke 24:41,52