Devotion • September 11
Today’s Scripture Reading
Luke 15:1–10
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (NRSV)
Reflection
The Pharisees and scribes are interesting to me. They were learned people with status. Many were religious scholars or teachers. They placed great importance on detailed laws and judged people who did not abide by the letter of the law. They often placed greater importance on strict obedience of rules than on pleasing God. They looked with scorn upon people who were considered societal outcasts and harshly criticized Jesus for associating with such “sinners.”
In other passages of the Bible, Jesus called out the Pharisees and scribes for being hypocrites. He tells them in this passage that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Who doesn’t know people today who outwardly present themselves as good citizens and followers of the law but are hypocrites? My mind first goes to a long list of such people, mostly politicians. But wait — isn’t everyone a sinner, and doesn’t everyone include me?
I imagine that the Pharisees and scribes hated to be called out as sinners. This would seem a normal human reaction, because being called out for wrongdoing is painful, and I imagine that they were not the repentant type. What this passage ultimately makes me consider is my own heart and my own reaction to being called out or corrected. Do I justify my behavior? Am I self-righteous and defensive, blaming others for misconstruing my intended meaning? Or do I think deeply and pray on it, ultimately allowing myself to learn from it and resolving to keep the learning in my heart and mind?
It is difficult work to accept that one has caused hurt or that one’s thinking is not righteous, but Jesus understands the hearts of each one of us. He knows how difficult it is. No wonder there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than ninety-nine righteous persons. No wonder that when I strive to do this difficult work I feel closer to God and my faith is deepened.
Prayer
God who hung the moon and stars, when we grieve at the world’s distress, remind us of your promises and your steadfast presence, so that as we strive to better this life, your love, not the world’s anguish, will always have the final word. Amen.
Written by Joseph L. Morrow, Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Community Engagement
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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