Leslie M. John
Heaven rejoices
”I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no
repentance”. (Luke 15:7)
There are three things seen in the parable of the lost sheep described in Luke
15:1-7. Firstly, Jesus is seen to be receiving publicans and sinners. Secondly,
Jesus is seen questioning as to what man is he who does not leave ninety nine of
his sheep to go in search of one lost sheep. Thirdly, when the man finds the
lost sheep he is seen rejoicing over the one lost and found sheep.
In the first instance, it is seen that publicans and sinners drew near unto him.
There could be at least three reasons why publicans and sinners drew near unto
him. One could be that Jesus was doing miracles, healing the sick; the second
could be that his message was powerful and many were being either saved or
impressed and the third could be to trap him in one question or the other. The
publicans are tax collectors, who were a hated lot among the Jews of the day.
They were in close association with noted sinners, perhaps, harlots, of the day.
These two went near unto Jesus to hear as to what Jesus had to say. The
Pharisees and the Scribes, highly educated lot of those days, accused Jesus of
having concern for the publicans and sinners. Jesus answers them in parable and
questions them as to who would not leave ninety nine of his sheep that are
secure in order to search for one lost sheep of his own. Jesus says that after
the man finds the lost sheep he rejoices over it, rather than saying any
complaints about it going astray.
Here is seen the love of God, who sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ in
search of the lost sinners. When the lost sinner is found he rejoices over
him/her; rather than recording any complaint against him. When the Father sees
one, who has repented of his sin, he sees only the blood of His Son that
cleansed the sin and the crystal clear image of the repented sinner. He does not
see or remember sins of any one, who confesses them to God in Jesus name.
”Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they
shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18)