May 31 Lost but Found Part 3

Luke 15:11-32 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 men 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 men.’ 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.’ 8 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.’”
 
MUCH has been written of this parable, and the focus is normally on the lost son’s repentance and his father’s gracious love to welcome him home. Indeed, this is a wonderful view of our heavenly Father joyfully celebrating his lost children who “were dead” but now have come home to live with him. What blessed comfort to know he welcomes us with open arms as we realize the Father’s home is the best place to be.
    Let’s remember, though, that Jesus is correcting the Pharisees’ condemnation that “This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:2b) Thus, the parable is more about the older son than the younger. The older son saw his brother as the Pharisees saw the tax collectors and sinners. As the law experts rejected the Lord hosting a meal for such people, the older son was irate over his father’s grace to celebrate his prodigal (wasteful) brother’s return. The Pharisees viewed the sinners to be unworthy of Jesus’ care. The brother viewed his “sinful sibling” as undeserving of any kindness. Why would his father have a party? His brother had left his family and had squandered a good share of his father’s wealth – and decreased his brother’s own share.
    But see the father’s love. He ran to meet the prodigal. He rejoiced. He forgave. He received the son. He longed for his older son to feel the same joy. His brother was home! 1 John 3:1a How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 
    What is your response to sinners? Do you stand off to judge them, or do you run to meet them? Do you celebrate those who were “dead and (are) alive again; (who were) lost and (are) found”?
    As God has granted you a life of joy and peace in his salvation, sometimes it is very difficult to see God’s high value and eternal grace for the broken people around us. Remember, though, as both sons were precious to their father, all are precious to our Father in Heaven. 
 
Prayer: Turn aside any judgment in my heart, Lord, to know how precious everyone is to you. Fill my heart with joy to celebrate with you all who come home to you. Amen.