The three parables in chapter fifteen of the Gospel of Luke constitute a closely intertwined trio, anchored on both sides by closely related teachings. The previous chapter provides instruction on humility and hospitality, telling the reader to open an invitation to one's table to all, including the poor, the sick, and the unclean. In the next chapter the reader finds instructions on how to use wealth to benefit those same people. In the midst of these we find the fifteenth chapter, containing the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal and his brother. As part of the tercet, the parable of the lost sheep challenges the reader to not only invite the poor into their community, but to welcome them as family with joy and celebration. The Gospel itself was most likely written to a predominantly Gentile, urban people. public and consistently shows a preferential option for the poor. Readers see numerous instances in which the author describes Jesus as claiming the poor as those who will receive Heaven's blessings and instructing his followers about the dangers of possessions and wealth. It is obvious that the evangelist was concerned with how his local community responded to the poor and how they earned and used their wealth. A parallel to the parable of the lost sheep is found in the Gospel of Matthew. The remaining two parables of the fifteenth chapter of this Gospel are unique. The reader may assume that the source material found in and around this passage comes from both Q and Special L. The use of triplets is common in Luke and this is precisely the literary technique we find in chapter fifteen. The parable of the lost coin that follows the lost sheep is almost identical in content. The... middle of the paper... Isaiah 40:11; 49:22 Luke 16:19-31 Luke 4:34; 5:37; 6:9; 8:24; 9:24-25; 11.51am; 13:3,5,33; 15:4,6,8,9,17,24,32; 17:27,29,33; 19:10,47; 8.16pm; 21:18 Furthermore, it occurs twice in Acts, 17 times in the Gospel of Matthew, 9 times in the Gospel of Mark, and 10 times in the Gospel of John. Luke 5:37; 11.51am; 1.33pm; 17:27,29; 7.47pm; 20:16 Luke 9:24,25; 17:33 Luke 9:25; 7.10pm; 15:4,6,8,9,24,32 Luke 15:4,6,8,9,32; 19:10 Luke 15:1-7 Euriskw occurs 26 times in the Gospel of Matthew, 10 times in the Gospel of Mark and 16 times in the Gospel of John. Luke 15:6 Luke 15:9 Luke 15:32 Luke 14:13-14 Luke 1:14,28 ; 6:23; 10.20am; 1.17pm; 15:5, 32; 19:6,37; 10.5pm; 23:8As a form of greeting 1:28; 19:6. As pleased or happy 22:5; 23:8. As a form of celebration 1:14; 6:23; 10.20am; 1.17pm; 15:5,32; 19:37 Luke 1:58 Luke 15:7 Luke 2:10 Luke 24:41,52