Luke 15 - 4.23.24
SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15:20 – 24
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
OBSERVATION
Jesus is telling several parables to the Pharisees after they were shocked he was around tax collectors and sinners. It’s hard to imagine but the Pharisees and most Jews did not associate with people they felt were unclean. Jesus wanted to share these parables to explain his mission, his heart, and exactly why he wanted to be around tax collectors and sinners: to save them!
The first parable was of the Lost Sheep – where Jesus describes how the shepherd leaves the 99 to go after the one who is lost. Jesus says in verse 7 “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nice righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Jesus then tells a similar story in the Lost Coin when a woman searches high and low for the lost coin and rejoices when it’s found. Jesus then says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Then Jesus tells the most personal parable of the Prodigal Son who takes his inheritance, squanders all of it, realizes the error of his ways and comes back with a deeply repentant heart wanting to reconcile with his father. This is the perfect story of forgiveness. The father had every right to be upset at the son for squandering his inheritance and leaving the family. Instead, the father “is filled with compassion” and runs out to greet his son. In that same way, when we approach the Lord, he opens his arms to receive us! His love and compassion are bigger than anything we can imagine.
I love how each parable concludes with rejoicing in honor of the lost that are found. Heaven rejoices, angels rejoice and the Father in Heaven rejoices when a lost child comes home!
APPLICATION
Jesus shared these parables to reach the heart of some hardened religious people. He was trying to help them understand his mission: he was spending time with those who were lost, loving on those around him to lead them into salvation.
Personally, the story of the Prodigal Son has been a personal prayer and hope for our oldest son. Although a lot of wrongs have been done over many, many years, I kept hearing the Lord say “love on him.” Although it’s sometimes hard when another wrong happens or a hurtful word is said, the mission to show God’s love prevails. One day I know the Lord will bring our Prodigal to a restored life in Jesus. On that day, the rejoicing and celebrations will begin!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for these parables. Your heart of love for the lost is so deep. Help me to have that same heart for those around me. In each and every situation in life, I want to model your love, forgiveness, redemption, and complete restoration. Guide me to reach those I encounter each day for you. In Jesus name I pray!
- Mary Oberg
