photo #9150135

10. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.Luke 15:10. As Jesus begins to teach, a crowd of tax collectors and sinners gets close to Him so they may hear. But the religious leaders murmur, saying, "This man receives sinners and even eats with them," thinking them unworthy. Jesus speaks two simple stories. The first is about a shepherd who finds one sheep missing out of 100, leaves the 99 to find what is lost. The second is about a woman having 10 silver coins who loses one and lights a lamp, sweeping the whole house until it is found. These stories reveal God's care, even if it is just one person lost. And because of the value of His creation, there is joy in heaven, because what was lost, God found and restored their place in the kingdom, where even the angels celebrate with God. The lesson: God seeks the lost, rejoicing when they return. He values each person individually. These two parables are how Jesus answered His critics, by showing God's heart for mercy and restoration. Amen.