"Finding Out" Study2-p5

THIS STUDY ASKS THE QUESTION “What did Jesus teach?” The teaching of Jesus about God’s love for sinners is deliberately placed first because it characterised the ministry of Jesus, which was “full of grace and truth”. He had come to seek and save the lost; He had come on an errand of mercy!

The “Law” precedes the “Gospel” in God’s dealings with man. That is, we learn from our failure to keep God’s law just how much we need the mercy offered in the gospel of Christ. For centuries the Jewish people had been taught the demands of God’s law. Christ now arrives with the good news of mercy for the “lost” sinner.

The joy expressed by the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, reminds us that God delights to show mercy. He is not reluctant to grant forgiveness.

SUMMARY: Jesus had principally come to teach, not to heal. People flocked to hear Him. He was very interesting, but not always easy to understand without explanation.

He taught about the love of God for sinners. Man is described as hopelessly lost, while God is portrayed as taking the initiative in seeking, finding and restoring the lost “item” to its owner.

The story of the lost sheep compares people to the foolishness of straying sheep. The story of the lost son shows the readiness of God to receive the returning sinner.