The term “one-hit wonder” is most commonly used to designate musicians who had only one popular song. For example, one list of “The Greatest One-Hit Wonders of All Time” ranks the 1996 Los del Rios’ song, “Macarena,” at number one.
For purposes of this series, a “one-hit wonder” is a Bible character who is mentioned once, sometimes not even by name. Some of these characters play critical parts in important events, and some just give us an interesting glimpse into their world.
Because little is known about these minor characters, it is necessary to give them personalities that would be reasonable for the situation, then concentrate the episode of the Eyewitness Bible Series around events portrayed in the Bible.
As we often caution, we are not trying to add to what the Bible says; we are simply trying to add context that will help you understand the Bible better. We invite you to read the applicable Scriptures for these stories so you will know exactly what the Bible says.
Just as some one-hit wonder songs are a bit whimsical. Perhaps you will find some of these stories to be the same way. I hope you enjoy them, and learn some unexpected things.
Luke is the only Gospel writer who records this story, which Luke includes as part of a trilogy of stories about lost things. Jesus told these stories in response to the religious leaders complaining about Jesus being in the company of tax collectors and sinners. The stories clearly relate the message that God highly values those who are lost and wants to bring them back into relationship with him.
The first of the stories, or parables, is about a lost sheep. The shepherd leaves his ninety-nine other sheep to find the lost one. The punch line to the story is Jesus saying that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one lost sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The second story is about a widow who loses one of her ten precious silver coins. This time, the punch line is that the angels in the presence of God will rejoice over one sinner who repents. These first two stories were short, but must have made the religious leaders very uncomfortable. That feeling was about to intensify.
