Luke 15:1-10

Context: The Grumblers

Jesus tells the three parables of Luke 15 to “the Pharisees and scribes” who were grumbling. Throughout Luke’s gospel account Jesus has been involved in controversy with the Pharisees and scribes, and in 5:27-32 we see a tension – even a juxtaposition – between this group and “tax collectors and sinners” (see also 18:9-14). 

The “grumbling” of the Pharisees and scribes calls to mind the grumbling of the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 15:22ff), where their dissatisfaction with God leads to the creation of the golden calf in Exodus 32. As Israel judged God’s saving work and found it wanting, so the Pharisees judge God’s work in Jesus Christ and find it wanting. As NT Wright summarizes, “Jesus was, as it were, celebrating…