Luke 15 contains the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Jesus told these parables to correct the “unkingdomlike” attitude of the Pharisees and scribes who were not happy about sinners coming to Him and being recognized and given dignity. They wanted to maintain the status quo in which they are the holy elite, get to wear long robes, take the places of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and enjoy respectful greetings in the market places. They wanted the rest to stay below them in the social, economic and moral hierarchy. In contrast, the kingdom of heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. In it, the valleys are exalted and the lowly are lifted up from the ash heap.
If we pray for God’s kingdom to come, we should have its same compassion. Its coming is about seeking and uplifting the least, the lost and the lonely.
