Christ shows His compassion and concern for those who have become distracted and fallen into error, providing an example to us to show mercy to others.

These two parables are linked because they are the answers to the disciples' question, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'

Jesus' discourse in Luke 15 is essentially one distinct parable with three illustrations. He reveals that He came into the world to seek and save the lost.

In the Parable of the Lost Coin, concern over something lost and the joy at recovering it is the fundamental issue, depicting God's diligence.

The three illustrations in Luke 15 justify Christ's conduct in receiving sinners, and show that to rejoice over their return is good and proper.

Both David and his descendant, Jesus Christ, demonstrated their dedication in protecting the sheep, even at great personal risk, unlike hirelings, then and now.

In the Prodigal Son, most people dwell on the relationship between the prodigal and his father. However, the elder brother has much to teach us as well.

In Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.

Guilt from failure to overcome is a dangerous distraction. When we consider God's profound pity, we realize that He is able to cleanse us, too.

Sheep are the most dependent on their owner for their well-being. From the viewpoint of the sheep, the quality of care of the shepherd is of utmost importance.

When we become fixated on past resentment, we will never find opportunities to display mercy, enabling a repentant brother to move forward.

Disfellowshiping is only used for the most extreme cases in which the safety of the congregation is threatened. Lesser offenses require more sensitivity.

When we accepted God's calling, we trusted in His ability to fend off the evil influences of the world as well as our deadly carnal nature.

No matter how scattered Israel is, God will not lose the smallest grain. Using Jerusalem as a reference point, Israel dispersed north and west into Europe.