Section 92, 2nd great group of parables--division A

Section 92
SECOND GREAT GROUP OF PARABLES.
(Probably in Peræa)
Subdivisions A, B, & C
INTRODUCTION
LUKE 15:1-10

Setting--Luke 14: 25 relates that "great crowds were accompanying him."  Luke 15 begins with the observation that "the tax collectors and sinners" were following him and that the Pharisees and scribes complained about this. Then he tells them the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son:

"The Lord speaks his three parable-stories of the "lost," in which he explains his reason for loving and receiving the sinful." -Pulpit Commentary

"Those who have always lived an outwardly correct life and who do not think themselves in need of repentance are the ninety and nine." F.B. Meyer

Although Meyer's observation may seem obvious, it's significant to nail the context to fully understand the story.  This story was directed to the self-righteous Jewish community who had no room for and openly criticized the outsider seeking God.I had imagined the 99 as "regular Christians" and the lone as someone outside the faith who had become lost.  The context is a bit more specific than this.

Things to glean:

God is passionately concerned about those who walk apart from Him:

"Now, there are two leading ideas in the three stories—one on the side of the Speaker; one on the side of those to whom the parable-stories were spoken...

(1) On the side of the speaker. God’s anxiety for sinners is shown; he pities with a great pity their wretchedness; he sets, besides, a high value on their souls, as part of a treasure belonging to him." -Pulpit Commentary

Rejoicing (chairōn). “There is no upbraiding of the wandering sheep, nor murmuring at the trouble” -Plummer, Roberson's Word Pictures

And to think of the angels as "neighbors of God"--interesting to put them in such a geographical partnership:

"In the presence of the angels of God-- That is to say, the joy of God himself. The angels are in a sense the neighbours of God."  -BB?