Luke 15, Part 2

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Observation: The Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this profound parable, a son chooses to leave his father, requests his inheritance and takes leave of his home. He squanders his money, and finds himself having to work in the lowest possible employment, feeding swine, because there is a famine. He realizes his mistake, and decides to return to his father's home as a servant. Instead, his father receives him with joy and celebration, returning him to his place as son. The brother doesn't rejoice; he's jealous because he's been an obedient son yet never received as much as this rebellious son. His father tells him, "You are always with me, and all I have is yours." (v. 31) But rejoice they would, for the son that was once dead and lost is now alive and found.

Application: This could be renamed The Parable of the Forgiving Father. Even after his son disgraced him by squandering what he demanded from his father, he was newly received because of his sincere repentance. When we come before our Father in repentance, He doesn't rub our mistakes in our faces. Instead, there is celebration, and restoration. God's grace and love covers our multitude of sins.

Prayer: Father, what a great love You have for Your children! We grieve You constantly, yet when we repent You forgive completely. I pray that You will convict me in my heart of my sins, so that I may come before You in repentance, knowing You will rejoice in forgiving. In Jesus' name, Amen.