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Parable of the Lost Coin: Luke 15:8-10

Have you ever reached into your pocket and found cash you weren't expecting?

The most I ever found was a $20 bill in a winter coat. It had been in there since the previous winter. I was so excited!

Jesus teaches, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (v. 10).

The Lost Sheep: Luke 15:3-7

"[T]here will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent" (Luke 15:7b, NIV).

Jesus simply destroys the thought that I might be able to do enough good things and avoid sin completely enough to get right with God.

Mutterers: Luke 15:1-2

Do you hang with people that make other folks mutter about your taste in friends and acquaintances?

Great! So did Jesus.

Luke 15

I could probably spend the rest of my life reflecting upon Luke 15 and not get it completely.

The Danger of Self-Righteousness

I'm a big fan of the daily Bible discussion Discover the Word.

For the last several weeks, Haddon and Alice and Mart have been discussing the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

One thing that they observed is that Christians love the first part of the story, where the younger son returns to the love of the father.

But many people, particularly the devout, have a hard time reflecting upon the older son's sins.

This contemporary discomfort with Jesus' story is closely related to His strong condemnation of self-righteous religious leaders of the day.

What a Relief!

At least, in verse 12, we read that God gives Jesus the props he deserves for his selfless sacrifice.

Glad that Jesus did this for the "many."

Isaiah 53:9-11

Verse 10 highlights just how intentional Jesus' sacrifice was.

God actively allowed Jesus to suffer so that he could be a guilt offering.

Jesus' Descendants?

This verse suggests that the Messiah wouldn't have any children.

Why would this even be mentioned?

Weird considering the possibility that Jesus might have had a family.

Isaiah 53:7

In this verse, Jesus models wise behavior in the face of opposition.

It's a lesson I almost never apply.

I rarely keep my mouth shut when I'm frustrated.

Isaiah 53:1-6

The opening question of this passage implies that without divine revelation, it would be impossible to understand Jesus accurately.

The next four verses describe Jesus' low status.

The last two verses explain the theological significance of his sacrifice.

End of Chapter 52

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Isaiah 52:13-15
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes, same passage

The phrase which stands out most to me is v. 14b: "his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man"

Outline of Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Outline of Isaiah 52:13-53:12

1. Servant Lifted Up
   
2. Servant Disfigured Beyond Recognition
   
3. Tender Shoot
   
4. Man of Sorrows
   
5. Burdened with Iniquities
   
6. No Descendants
   
7. Innocent Intercessor
   

2 Chronicles 35

Josiah was a fervent follower of the Lord, but he didn't listen to wise counsel and got killed in battle.

Sometimes even the most faithful are foolish.

Thankful

I'm grateful for people in my life who―like Josiah to the people of Judah―set a godly example and helped steer me in the right direction.

Clarity

In 23:1-3, Josiah leaves nothing unclear.

National elders come together and listen to the Law.

This becomes their charge.

Josiah, Age 25

Funny that the first 17 years of Josiah's reign aren't described in any detail.

It's a bit like how we know nearly nothing about Jesus' childhood.

Anyway, once Josiah learns of the Lord's law, he kicks right into gear.

Josiah's Reign Established

Josiah's father, Amon, was wicked. He was assasinated at age 24.

But Josiah, only 8 years old, had a faithful mother. The young kings' mothers are all given prominent mention.

Without Jedidah, Josiah wouldn't have had the influence necessary to grow into a faithful king.

Josiah's Mission Predicted

I didn't realize that Josiah's name and passion for following the Lord were predicted in advance.

Josiah, Good King of Judah

Josiah's name appears in 56 verses.

He was one of the greatest kings in Judah's history.