Jesus shows that the tax collectors and sinners were indeed lost, but they needed to be found. He responds with the joy of a shepherd/woman/father finding what was lost. The Father, Son & Spirit are all keen to see sinners repenting.
The prodigal sons:
Sin - it's not just the obvious sins, but the hidden attitudes of the heart. Even when everyone thinks we're ok, we may be as prodigal as the elder son.
Repentance - it is a choice. We have to choose to repent, but God looks for it & is waiting for our return to Him.
The love of God - no sin is too far that the love of God cannot reach.
The Pharisees were meant to see how they were every bit as prodigal and far from God, and how repentance was a choice for them. The question was 'would they?'
16:1-13 The manager was commended for his shrewdness. We need to watch the world's way of using wealth to develop friendships and learn to be wise shrewd stewards also. We must remember whom we serve, but to use our resources to assist that.
Jesus uses His words to show we must be honest in our financial dealings. Our money is not our master but is a servant to help us serve our master.
The rich man was being punished for not repenting. (v30) He should have used his wealth to make friends for himself, but seemingly used it to satisfy himself.
Future punishment is torment, agony, fixed and unending. It is real and horrible, but above all it is escapable.
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