LUKE 15
JESUS EXPRESSES GOD’S CONTINUAL PURSUIT OF HIS PEOPLE + THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR RESPONSE
Using the beautiful imagery of a shepherd leaving his ninety-nine sheep to find the one that has gone missing, Jesus tells of God’s continual pursuit of humanity. Just as a shepherd would seek out his missing animal, God desires closeness and relationship with His people. Jesus explains that rejoicing in heaven takes place for every sinner who repents. Supernatural celebration occurs when we follow Him!
Similarly, Jesus shares another short parable, an example of a lost coin. If a woman loses a silver coin, she will search diligently to find it. Once it is found, she will call out to her friends and neighbors to rejoice. Just as the woman would celebrate the recovered money, the angels rejoice over a sinner who repents. God’s people are of far more value to Him than a silver coin and He seeks out those who are lost.
In a third parable, Jesus tells a story of a man with two sons. The younger son desires to acquire his inheritance early. The father divided the inheritance between the two sons, giving them each their share. The younger son takes all that he has and leaves, traveling far away and living recklessly with his inheritance. The younger son squanders everything he has, wasting what he was generously given.
Becoming desperate during a famine, the younger son is hired to help feed animals in a field. Impoverished and alone, he becomes so hungry that he envies the slop eaten by the pigs. He realizes that his father’s servants were treated far better and hoped his father would accept him as one of his servants.
Upon returning home, the younger son repents of his sins toward his father and begs to be accepted as a servant. Instead of being met with anger or disdain, the father welcomes him with acceptance and love. The father calls for the best robe to be placed on his back and plans a celebratory meal upon his return. Despite his son’s sin and rebellion, the father welcomes the son back and treats him with grace and provision.
The older brother, who has always been responsible and steadfast, is frustrated and angered by the celebration. He has been faithful, but there was never a feast for him! The father explains that the older son has always been with him, but the younger son’s return is still worth celebrating.
The older brother in this story represents the Pharisees and their expression of judgment and pride. The younger brother represents sinners who repent and turn towards Jesus. This parable, known as the prodigal son, highlights God’s constant love for His children and the rejoicing that occurs upon their return.
