Attitude!

In Luke 15 we find three parable told by Jesus; the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. These three appear to have been told together to provide emphasis for a similar lesson. However, there are also points which can be drawn individually from them. Perhaps my favorite of the three is that of the lost son because of the number of sermons which can be drawn from this one parable. I have focused on the son who left. I have focused on the idea of what a “spiritual” famine can do to a life when one departs from the family. I have focused on what it takes for some to come to their senses, emphasizing that we may need to pray for such things to happen to gain the attention of others. I have focused on the three statements the lost son rehearsed to say to his father and how his father seemed to have stopped him, only giving him the opportunity to voice the first two. I have focused on the older brother. I have focused on what should be the naturalness of celebration. And perhaps one of my favorite focuses is that of the father in the parable who represents the loving Heavenly Father eager for His lost children to return.

Within the parable of the lost son, there are varying attitudes displayed. The son who departed had an attitude which went through transitions. The older son had an attitude which can be noted. And, then of course, there is the gracious and loving attitude of the father clearly displayed toward both sons. We may find it easy to pick out the varying attitudes contained in the parable, but where do we see ourselves?

Of all the fine lessons and important applications that can be drawn from these three parables, we need to make sure we do not overlook the attitude Jesus was initially addressing. When we look at these three parables in the full context in which they were told, we find Jesus was trying to get His audience on that occasion to consider their own attitude. Who was in that audience? Some Pharisees and scribes. And Jesus was aiming to redirect their focus.

In the first two verses of this chapter we find the attitude which gave rise to Jesus’ teaching on this occasion. It is noted in the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes.
“(1) Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. (2) And THE PHARISEES AND THE SCRIBES GRUMBLED, saying, ‘THIS MAN RECEIVES SINNERS AND EATS WITH THEM.’” ( Luke 15:1-2 ESV)

Then Jesus emphasized the value of one lost sheep among ninety-nine. He then emphasized the value of one lost coin (perhaps a part of this woman’s
dowry) out of ten. Then Jesus emphasized the value of one lost son out of two. But the attitude of the Pharisees which gave rise for these parables was their grumbling about Jesus’ reception of and time spent with sinners. In connection with the first two parables, Jesus mentioned “righteous persons” in contrast to the sinner in need of repentance. ( Luke 15:7 & 10) However, in the parable of the lost son, Jesus let the older brother express the attitude himself. Were the Pharisees listening? Are we?

The older son whined to his father…
“(20)… ‘Look, these many years I have served you and I NEVER DISOBEYED YOUR COMMAND, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.’” ( Luke 15:29 ESV)

“Never disobeyed!” An attitude of SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. That was the attitude these Pharisees and scribes appear to have shared. Is that where we are? Do we also feel no need for repentance? If so, we will most likely find ourselves looking down upon others and perhaps even deciding some being unworthy of being drawn to Christ. Do we think we deserve what others do not? We do not have the right attitude if we feel we have merited the acceptance and blessings of God!

A SELF RIGHTEOUS attitude becomes a great hindrance in allowing God to work through us as He wishes and to see others with His eyes. Let us guard against such an attitude by focusing on the great rejoicing of God over every sinner who repents. And we can begin by acknowledging our own need for repentance. That is key to the development of the humble spirit we ought to possess before God and others.

Have a great day MOTIVATED BY GOD’S GRACIOUS SPIRIT!
Carl

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