Listen to this devotional:

By this time a lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story.

Luke 15:1-3 MSG

Jesus attracted relationships while Pharisees regulated behavior. As this passage shows, all types of people hung around Jesus and listened intently to his message. He built relationships rooted in love and sought to lead people out of sin into a more inspired life, free from guilt and spiritual blindness. 

The Pharisees, on the other hand, policed conformity to their religious traditions, grumbling toward anyone who wasn’t following their way, showing little interest in relationship building. Where Jesus welcomed sinners with the intent to transform, the Pharisees rejected them, focusing on behavior rather than the heart. 

While the Pharisees regulated behavior and emphasized outward appearances, Jesus connected with people’s hearts and brought them hope for change. 

In response to those who were consumed with behavior and appearances, Jesus told three stories about the relational heart of God—the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Coin, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. 

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Read: Luke 15:3-7.

Ask: What caused the man in this story to feel joy? What does that teach us about God’s heart?

Reflect: When was a time I felt lost? How do I feel about God searching for me and finding me?

The Parable of the Lost Coin

Read: Luke 15:8-10.

Ask: What does this story tell us about what is valuable to God? How does God feel about those who may have lost their connection to him?

Reflect: Do I feel the same way as the woman in this story about people who are living without a relationship with God?

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Read: Luke 15:11-32.

Ask: What did the father in this story want most of all? What do the two brothers tell us about the difference between a “behavior” mindset and a “relationship” mindset?

Reflect: Which of the two sons in this story do I relate to most? Why?

Reflect and answer these questions before continuing:

  • Do I attract relationships like Jesus? Why? Why not?
  • Am I more focused on behavior or the heart?
  • Do I see Christianity as relationship building or regulating behavior?

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Jesus Attracted Relationships; Pharisees Regulated Behavior 7

As the editor in chief for Deep Spirituality, Russ Ewell writes, teaches, and innovates with his eyes on the future. His teaching is rooted in providing hope for those turned off by tradition and infused with vision for building a transformative church. His passion to inspire even the most skeptical to view God through fresh eyes can be found in his book, He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself.

Jesus Attracted Relationships; Pharisees Regulated Behavior 8

As the editor in chief for Deep Spirituality, Russ Ewell writes, teaches, and innovates with his eyes on the future. His teaching is rooted in providing hope for those turned off by tradition and infused with vision for building a transformative church. His passion to inspire even the most skeptical to view God through fresh eyes can be found in his book, He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself.

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Jesus Attracted Relationships; Pharisees Regulated Behavior 9