Parables - Week 1
Week 1 Recap:
Discovering the Heart of God Through Parables
Introduction: At Parkwood, we’re embarking on an exciting new journey—a five-week sermon series exploring the parables in the Gospel of Luke. These parables, or simple stories with profound spiritual and moral lessons, offer us deep insights into the heart of God. Over the next few weeks, we'll delve into these teachings, uncovering the timeless truths Jesus shared, particularly focusing on God’s immense love for the lost.
Understanding Parables: Simple Stories, Profound Lessons: Many of us have heard the term “parable,” but what exactly does it mean? A parable is a simple story used by Jesus to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. As we explore these parables, it’s crucial to understand that they are not just stories to ponder—they demand action. Jesus’ parables call us to apply their lessons in our daily lives, transforming us from mere listeners to active participants in God’s kingdom.
The Heart of the Matter: God Loves the Lost: One of the central themes of Jesus’ parables is God’s love for the lost. Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Jesus shares stories that reveal the Father’s deep desire for all people to be included in His kingdom. The parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son (which we’ll explore in this series) illustrate this beautifully. Each story shows how much God values every individual, no matter how far they’ve strayed. The message is clear: God’s love is relentless, and He will go to great lengths to bring the lost back to Him.
The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin: A Pursuit of Love: In Luke 15, Jesus shares two parables back-to-back—the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. Both stories highlight the lengths to which God will go to find the lost. In the first parable, the shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost, and when he finds it, he rejoices greatly. Similarly, in the second parable, a woman diligently searches for her lost coin and celebrates when she finds it. These parables teach us that God actively seeks out those who are lost, and when they are found, there is great rejoicing in heaven. God’s love is not passive—it’s a love that pursues, finds, and celebrates.
Building Relationships: The Power of Connection: One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ ministry was His willingness to connect with people where they were. He ate with tax collectors, sinners, and those whom society had cast aside. Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him in a state of perfection; He met them in their brokenness and built relationships with them. This teaches us an important lesson: if we want to impact the lives of others, we must be willing to get close, to build relationships, and to love people as they are. The church is a community of believers, and our strength lies in our ability to connect, support, and love one another.
We Are God’s Reinforcements: As we journey through this series, it’s essential to recognize that we are called to be God’s reinforcements in seeking the lost. Just as the shepherd searched for the lost sheep and the woman searched for the lost coin, we, too, are called to seek out those who are far from God. Whether in our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, or families, God has placed us in specific contexts to be His hands and feet. Each of us has been equipped with unique gifts and tools to share His love and truth with those around us. Together, as a community of believers, we can make a difference by being the reinforcements God uses to bring the lost back to Him.
Closing: Embrace the Call: As we continue through this series, let’s embrace the call to love the lost as Jesus does. These parables are more than just stories; they are a reflection of God’s heart and a blueprint for how we should live. Let’s be intentional in building relationships, seeking the lost, and celebrating when they are found. Together, we can make a difference in our community and beyond by embodying the love of Christ in all that we do.
