The Bryce Crawford Podcast

Episode 163: Luke Series Chapter 15

Release Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Bryce Crawford
Focus: Exploring Luke Chapter 15 – The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son

Episode Overview

In this rich, scripture-focused episode, Bryce Crawford dives into Luke 15, discussing the well-known parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. The theme centers on God's relentless pursuit of those who are lost, the value God places on every individual, and the response of both the redeemed and the religious. Bryce unpacks the heart of these parables and applies their lessons to our lives with directness and humor in his signature candid style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Setting and Introduction to Luke 15

• Bryce begins by setting the context: Jesus is teaching while tax collectors and sinners gather, and the Pharisees are offended by His acceptance of them.
  • “The tax collectors and the sinners were all drawing near to him, and the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, this man receives sinners and eats with them.” (03:22)

2. Parable of the Lost Sheep (03:40–05:00)

• The Story: The shepherd leaves the 99 to find one lost sheep.
• Bryce’s Application:
  • Personalizes the story for listeners, stressing that everyone—himself included—has been the lost sheep at some point.
  • “Draw near to Jesus, who was the lost sheep? I was the lost sheep. You were, or are the lost sheep, depending on where you’re at in your faith journey.” (04:20)
  • Memorable Analogy:
    • "Sheep are stupid. They're in need of a shepherd. You and I are stupid without God and idiots. And we need Jesus in our life." (04:35)
• Key Point:
  • God rejoices more over one sinner who repents than many who don't see their need for repentance.

3. Parable of the Lost Coin (05:01–05:55)

• The Story: A woman loses one of her ten silver coins, searches diligently, and rejoices with friends when she finds it.
• Bryce’s Reflection:
  • Emphasizes the value God places on each person.
  • “Jesus looked for me because we were valuable to him. Jesus looked for you because you’re valuable to him. And so we must treat Jesus in a celebratory manner when we have been found.” (05:20)
  • Practical Analogy:
    • “The same way we would frantically lose our wallet or car keys, and we run around the house, we try to find them, and bam, we find them. We celebrate and rejoice. Thank you, oh, stress relief, weight off my chest. Thank you, Jesus, that I have found my keys.” (05:38)

4. Parable of the Prodigal Son (05:56–07:50)

• Summary:
  • A younger son asks for his inheritance, squanders it, ends up destitute, and returns home seeking mercy. The father welcomes and restores him; the older brother resents the celebration.
• Bryce's Key Observations:
  • Focuses on the father’s unconditional embrace and restoration.
  • “That robe. The Father's robe covering the Son. It represents the robe of righteousness.” (06:32)
  • Noteworthy Exegetical Note:
    • Draws attention to the overlooked older brother, revealing Pharisaical attitudes.
    • “When you don't see people as valuable to God, you then become the Pharisee. You think that you are deserving of things that you aren’t deserving of.” (07:08)
  • Theological Point:
    • God’s valuation of each person is demonstrated through the cost of redemption—His own Son.
    • "What is the price that God puts on your life? His own life. God gave his son to buy you back. He ransomed you. He set you free from captivity and found people. Find people." (07:30)
• Call to Action:
  • Encourages found people (believers) to passionately pursue others who are lost.
  • Warns against pride and legalism.
    • “Your faith is in your works. Woe to you. Submit to God. Rely on him, trust on him, and you will see freedom in your life.” (07:48)

Memorable Quotes

• On Our Need for God:
  • "Sheep are stupid. They're in need of a shepherd. You and I are stupid without God and idiots. And we need Jesus in our life." —Bryce (04:35)
• On the Value of One Person:
  • “Jesus looked for me because we were valuable to him. Jesus looked for you because you’re valuable to him.” —Bryce (05:20)
• On Religious Pride:
  • “When you don't see people as valuable to God, you then become the Pharisee. You think that you are deserving of things that you aren’t deserving of.” —Bryce (07:08)
• On God’s Sacrifice:
  • "What is the price that God puts on your life? His own life. God gave his son to buy you back.” —Bryce (07:30)

Encouragement and Closing (07:51–End)

• Bryce’s Pastoral Exhortation:
  • Prays that the teaching from Luke 15 encourages listeners.
  • Stresses the importance of reading scripture personally—“The ultimate heart is so that you go and read this word daily. You don’t rely on the podcast. You rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit.”
• Preview: Promises the next episode will continue with Luke 16.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:22] – Setting up the context (tax collectors, sinners, and Pharisees)
• [03:40–05:00] – The Parable of the Lost Sheep
• [05:01–05:55] – The Parable of the Lost Coin
• [05:56–07:50] – The Parable of the Prodigal Son and application
• [07:51–End] – Encouragement and conclusion

Tone & Style

Bryce is personable, direct, and uses humor (“Sheep are stupid...You and I are stupid without God and idiots.”) to make scriptural lessons relatable and memorable. He’s pastoral in his encouragement—never shying away from strong exhortation but always motivated by a desire for listeners to experience God’s grace and join in seeking the lost.

Useful for anyone who wants a concise, insightful walk through Luke 15’s parables, with real-life application for faith, humility, and evangelism.