32 verses
Luke 15 depicts three parables illustrating God's joy over repentance and the restoration of the lost, culminating in the parable of the prodigal son.
Luke 15 opens with Jesus being criticized by Pharisees and scribes for associating with sinners, prompting him to tell the parable of the lost sheep, where a shepherd leaves ninety‑nine sheep to seek one lost. He follows with the parable of the lost coin, showing a woman’s diligent search and rejoicing when she finds it, and states that angels rejoice over a repentant sinner. The third parable, the prodigal son, portrays a younger son who squanders his inheritance, faces famine, and returns to a father who embraces him with a feast, while the elder son resents the celebration. Jesus explains that the father’s love is for all his children, emphasizing the value of every sinner’s repentance. The chapter contrasts the worldly response of loss with God’s compassionate response of restoration and joy.
mixed
Contains both sorrow over loss and joy at restoration; overall theme is hopeful.