Lost part 2

Some more observations on Luke 15

I had originally thought that these were three separate parables (one on the lost sheep, one on the lost coin and one on the lost boy, etc). However, verse 3 states specifically "So he told them this parable" This parable (in the greek) is referring to a singular and not plural. With that in mind, my original thought had to change a little ... now Jesus is specifically sharing these 3 parts of the parable for a specific reason, rather than Luke compiling 3 different parables together.

The sheep in stage 1 got lost on its own stupidity/sheepishness.
The coin in stage 2 got lost from someone elses care .... coins don't get up and walk away ... unlike my daughters toys that seem to get lost all on their own!
The son in stage 3 got lost from his own desire to leave the situation (rebellion and whatever)
The son who stayed in stage 3 got lost in another sense, he never left, but didn't care about his brother.

Within the context of who prompted Jesus to share the parable, the Pharisees and their dis-care via their grumbling about the "sinners". Jesus responded to them with this story, and the big blow at the end of the story was how the Pharisees would more identify with the brother who stayed ... rather than the brother who strayed ... hey, that will preach!

Also, the word receive in the 2nd verse "This man receives sinners and eats with them." has an interesting usage even within Luke ... the word is used below in the following verses --

Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Luke 2:38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 12:36 like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.

Luke 23:51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God.

other uses within scripture are .... Acts 24:15 "cherish", Titus 2:13 "looking for", Heb 10:34 "accepted", Jude 1:21 "waiting anxiously"

To add in the other words gives it a little different meaning than just ... receive.

"This man receives sinners and eats with them."
"This man waits for sinners and eats with them."
"This man looks forward for sinners and eats with them."
"This man cherishes sinners and eats with them."
"This man accepted sinners and eats with them."
"This man anxiously waits for sinners and eats with them."

... more later