Tuesday, March 17, 2015

24th Day of Lent- Luke 15:1-7- The Parable of the Lost Sheep- Pharisees

Today we begin the eighth parable (or grouping of parables) in our Lenten devotional study.  This is the first of three parables in Luke 15 that all have a similar theme- welcoming back the lost one.  Jesus tells these parables in response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes who are saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." 

The legalism of the scribes and Pharisees is well documented.  There was an "us" vs. "them" mentality, the righteous vs. the unrighteous.  Jesus, through his love and acceptance, was attracting those who many considered the unrighteous, the tax collectors and sinners.  This was challenging the established system, suggesting that all people are God's children and that everyone, regardless of background, is in need of God's grace.

Legalism, of course, continues in varying forms to this day.  Within all religions there are those who feel the need to maintain order through the rules, and those who would much prefer to simply be led by the Spirit.  I suppose the truth lies somewhere in the middle, with enough guidelines to maintain reasonable order, but always being open to new possibilities directed by the Spirit.

As we have seen with all the parables, they really are written for each of us.  For legalism can be found in our hearts as well.  In what ways do  I have an "us" vs. "them" mentality?  What rules do I harbor in my heart that keep certain people out of my life?  Who might cross my path today, that I might welcome rather than exclude?  The Pharisees grumbled.  Jesus welcomed.  May we be more like Jesus today.   

1 comment:

  1. I like to think of myself as someone who doesn't focus on being "entitled." My reactions to these parables have shown me, however, that there's still part of the Pharisees in my heart. It is easier to withdraw from someone who has treated me poorly than it is to love that person unconditionally.

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