Listen to a Story

Week Three - Day 4

Today's Reading -- Luke 15:1 to Luke 18:14

Our reading today consists mostly of parables, some of which are found only in Luke including The Prodigal Son, one of the most well-known stories in the entire Bible.  Part of the aim of the parables was to provide a response to the Pharisees.  The three parables in chapter 15 respond to the Pharisees grumbling that Jesus welcomed sinners.  Jesus then tells parables about the lost sheep, a lost coin, and the return of the prodigal son.  Each was lost, but then was found, which was cause for celebration.  Jesus' point was that God does not shun sinners, but rather welcomes and rejoices over all who repent.  Inclusivity is again affirmed as a characteristic of the kingdom of God.  In chapter 16, the Pharisees are labeled as "lovers of money" (16:14).  The parables of this chapter then speak to the dangers of wealth.  It's not that money is bad; the danger lies in relying upon riches rather than upon God.  What we need to build up is our faith not our bank accounts.

There are two additional parables in today's reading, and various sayings of Jesus.  There is also the memorable encounter that Jesus has with the ten lepers in the region between Samaria and Galilee (17:11-19).  This parable is only found in Luke, and I appreciated it even more after I read Martin Bell's short story entitled "Where Were the Nine?" Bell reflected on the fact that although all ten lepers were cleansed of the disease, only one returned to thank Jesus.  Why didn't the others come back?  Were they so happy they just ran home to reunite with their families?  Had they simply forgotten?  Did they fail to give Jesus credit for their healing, thinking he had nothing to do with it?

Looking at the story in this manner brings a whole new meaning and challenge: How often do we become distracted, or forgetful, or unappreciative that we fail to give thanks to God?