Luke 15
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“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.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Lost and Found
How long can you go before a lost wallet, car keys or cell phone dominates your life to the point you have to stop all else before it is found!? Believe it or not, that’s how God feels about you! The story that serves as the basis for our time of reflection today takes the form of a parable, taught by Jesus. A parable is an earthly story based on a spiritual principle. In this case, our story describes the dynamics of a somewhat dysfunctional family with a loving father, and two sons who live on polar opposite ends of the spectrum of life experience.
Read the story, then consider the following questions:
In this story, what stand out the most for you in this story? Why?
The Father character represents God and how he responds to us.
1. How would you describe the father’s response to both of his sons.
2. What do we learn about God and the way he views us from the father’s response in the story? (reflect on verse 20 that describes the father in a seemingly ‘ever watching’ posture for his rebellious son and his response to the son’s return)
3. What are some words you would use to describe the love that father had for his son?
4. To what extent do you experience this same love from God today?
The two brothers represent people like you and me…
1. In your life experience, which son do you most relate to and why?
a. the one having a rebellious streak who ‘wants it all now.’
b. the older brother who faithfully worked the fields trying to earn something that was already his!
2. Both brothers, in their own ways, came to experience the unconditional love of their father. Consider a time when God’s unconditional love intercepted your life? What was the result?
Closing Prayer
Father God, you truly do love us no matter what we’ve chosen to do with our lives in the past. In fact, you’ve never taken your loving gaze away from our lives. You sent your son Jesus to prove your love and offer a welcome home into your loving embrace no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Thanks for your love for me today!
Author Bio
Tim Beadle is the pastor of disciple making at
Foothills Alliance. He loves helping people find faith in Jesus and then grow to the point they can help others find him too! Previously, Tim coached pastors and church leaders for 15 years throughout Alberta helping them listen to God and work towards healthy church experiences. He resides with his wife Heather in Calgary Alberta. His six grandchildren steal his heart each time he sees them!
Luke and Acts taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.