Luke 15 · a question people ask
Who are the man with the sheep, the woman with the coins, and the father meant to be?
Jesus says what the first two stories show, in his own words, and says no more. After the sheep, "I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents" (15:7); after the coin, "Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting" (15:10). He doesn't say whom the man or the woman stands for. The story of the two sons has no "even so" after it; it ends on the father's words to his elder son (15:31-32). Luke tells the stories right after "This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them." (15:2) and "He told them this parable" (15:3), and says nothing more about who anyone in them is. These notes don't identify the man, the woman, the father or either son with anyone, or with any group of people, and apply none of them to any family today.
The verses
“The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.” He told them this parable:”
“I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.”
“Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.””
““He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’””