Luke 15:6
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Luke 15:6
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
Chapter Context
Luke 15 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, redemption, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 15:6
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
Analysis
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me (συγκαλεῖ τοὺς φίλους καὶ τοὺς γείτονας, synkalei tous philous kai tous geitonas)—The verb synkaleō (συγκαλέω, to call together) indicates a celebration gathering. The imperative 'Rejoice with me' (syncharēte moi, συγχάρητέ μοι) means 'rejoice together with me'—the shepherd's joy demands communal participation.
For I have found my sheep which was lost (ὅτι εὗρον τὸ πρόβατόν μου τὸ ἀπολωλός, hoti heuron to probaton mou to apolōlos)—Possession ('my sheep') shows relationship, not mere property. The perfect participle apolōlos (ἀπολωλός, having been lost) emphasizes the previous state. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees' joyless response to repentant sinners. Their grumbling (v.2) contrasts sharply with heaven's celebration. Finding the lost is not embarrassing scandal but cause for communal rejoicing.
Historical Context
First-century Mediterranean culture was collectivist, not individualist. Joy and sorrow were shared communally. A shepherd returning with a lost sheep would naturally gather neighbors for celebration, both to testify to his diligence and to share his relief. This social context intensifies Jesus's critique: the Pharisees refused to join God's celebration over repentant sinners, isolating themselves from heaven's joy. Their absence from the party revealed their alienation from God's heart.
Reflection
- Do you genuinely rejoice when 'unlikely' people come to faith, or do you subtly resent God's grace to those you consider undeserving?
- How should the church's corporate worship reflect heaven's celebration over every repentant sinner?
- What does your response to others' conversions reveal about whether you understand grace as scandalous gift or earned reward?