Luke 15:3
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 8
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 8
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραβολὴν
parable
G3850
παραβολὴν
parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
6 of 8
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
Historical Context
Palestinian shepherding culture made the first parable immediately relatable. Jesus spoke in an oral culture where parables were memorable teaching tools that circumvented defensive reactions. The Pharisees had complained about Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners (v.2), a serious charge since table fellowship implied acceptance and intimate relationship. Jesus's response through parable rather than direct confrontation follows rabbinic tradition while subverting their theology of separation.
Questions for Reflection
- When confronted with criticism about extending grace to 'unworthy' people, do you defend yourself argumentatively or reveal God's heart through story and testimony?
- How does Jesus's method of answering accusation with parable model wisdom in defending gospel ministry?
- What does the shift from Pharisaic perspective (v.2) to divine perspective (v.3ff) teach about reframing theological debates?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he spake this parable unto them, saying (εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην, eipen de pros autous tēn parabolēn tautēn)—Jesus responds to Pharisaic criticism (v.2) not with argument but with parabolē (παραβολή), a comparison or story set alongside truth to illuminate it. The singular 'parable' introduces three connected stories (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son) as one unified defense of His mission to sinners.
Rather than justify His associations, Jesus reveals the Father's heart. The shift from self-righteous complaint to divine perspective transforms the debate—the question is not whether Jesus should welcome sinners, but whether heaven rejoices when He does. This rhetorical strategy disarms critics by exposing their hearts: Do you share God's joy over repentance, or resent His grace?