Jesus told a story to make people think or to answer a question.He told these stories to people who did not follow God's ways.He wanted them to know that God loves and cares for them.He wanted them to come back to God.That would make God always happy Indeed.
The term “lost” usually is disturbing when describing a lost purse, wallet, glasses, keys or pet. It’s even more so when referring to a lost child or adult. Intense joy or relief is experienced when you physically find anything that has been lost.
Jesus talked about a shepherd who had a sheep that strayed and how he rejoiced when he found it. He also talked about a woman who lost a piece of silver and after searching and finding it she rejoiced with her friends and neighbors. In neither of the above situations was the item lost on purpose. At the end of each of these incidents Jesus said that there will be joy in heaven over one sinner that repents. Jesus spoke of a son who purposefully left his father’s house and wasted his substance with riotous living. He finally came to himself, returned to his father’s house, confessed his sins and admitted he was not worthy to be called a son. He said "Father,I have sinned against God and against you". Take me as one of your daily servant". Whereas his older brother was not happy, the father was joyful because that which was lost was found (Luke 15:3-32). Whether a person strays carelessly or on purpose there is hope!
It is a sad thing when a person is lost physically but it is much worse to be lost spiritually. To be lost spiritually means a future destination in the lake of fire forever."Even so It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish" (Mt 18:14). “For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness; but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
What is a Christian’s duty concerning the lost? Paul wrote “But even if our gospel is veiled.It is veiled to those who are perishing.” (2 Cor 4:3). Jesus told us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"(Mt 28:19), “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:16), and be witnesses …"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witness to Me in Jerusalem,and in all Judea and Samaria,and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). May the Lord help us to reach the lost.
God is like the father in this story.He welcomes people as his children,even when they have gone wrong.The older brother of him was angry when his brother returned home.But his behavior showed that he was no better than his foolish brother.