New Testament
Luke 15:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So Jesus told them this parable:
Compare translations
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What Luke 15:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus begins to share a parable, which is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The context suggests that He is addressing a group of people, likely including sinners and religious leaders, to teach them about God's love and mercy. Parables often use everyday situations to convey deeper truths, making them relatable and understandable. By starting with 'So Jesus told them this parable,' it indicates that what follows is meant to provoke thought and reflection. This particular parable will highlight themes of loss, redemption, and the joy of recovery, emphasizing how God values every individual, especially those who are lost or estranged from Him. Jesus uses storytelling to engage His audience and challenge their perceptions about sin, forgiveness, and the nature of God's grace. The parable serves as a bridge to deeper understanding, inviting listeners to consider their own lives and relationship with God.
How to apply Luke 15:3 to your life
When faced with judgment or criticism, remember that Jesus used stories to convey profound truths. Embrace the lessons in His parables to understand God's love and mercy. Share these stories with others to inspire hope and encourage a deeper relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 15:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 15:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 15:3 mean?
Luke 15:3 marks the beginning of a parable told by Jesus, indicating that He is about to share a story to illustrate important lessons about God's love and mercy. This sets the stage for deeper reflections on themes like redemption and the value of every individual.
What is the meaning of parable in Luke 15:3?
In Luke 15:3, a parable refers to a simple story that Jesus uses to convey moral or spiritual lessons. Parables often relate to everyday experiences, making complex truths more accessible and relatable to His audience.
Why did Jesus tell parables like in Luke 15:3?
Jesus used parables, such as the one introduced in Luke 15:3, to engage His listeners and provoke thought. These stories help convey profound truths about God's nature and encourage reflection on personal relationships with Him.
How does Luke 15:3 relate to God's mercy?
Luke 15:3 sets the stage for a parable that emphasizes God's mercy, particularly towards those who are lost or estranged. Through storytelling, Jesus illustrates how much God values every individual and the joy that comes from their redemption.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.