Luke 15:3
“He told them this parable.”
What does Luke 15:3 mean?
Jesus is about to tell his disciples and the listening crowd three short stories, each one about something lost and then found. This simple introduction matters because it signals that what follows isn't just casual conversation, but a carefully chosen teaching meant to show us how God thinks and acts. The parables he's about to share, including the famous story of the prodigal son, answer a challenge from religious leaders who were criticizing him for spending time with people they considered sinners and outcasts. By introducing these stories this way, Jesus invites everyone listening to step into his way of seeing the world, where lost things matter deeply and coming home is always possible.