Luke 15:3

3 Then Jesus told them a story.

Luke 15:3 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 15:3

And he spake this parable unto them
To the Pharisees, for their conviction and confutation; and to the publicans and sinners for their encouragement; and in vindication of himself; and not only this, but the other two, concerning the lost piece of money, and the prodigal son, which were said at this time, and on the same occasion;

saying,
as follows.

Luke 15:3 In-Context

1 The tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear Jesus.

2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were whispering among themselves. They said, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3 Then Jesus told them a story.

4 He said, "Suppose one of you has 100 sheep and loses one of them. Won't he leave the 99 in the open country? Won't he go and look for the one lost sheep until he finds it?

5 When he finds it, he will joyfully put it on his shoulders