Day 15: December 15, 2019
Jesus’ radical love for the sinners and outcasts drew criticism from the religious leaders of His day. In response, Jesus told three parables to teach what these “sinners” really were: lost sheep who needed a shepherd to carry them back, lost coins that had value and were found, and lost sons who needed to repent and return home so they could experience the grace of a loving Father. God values each and every one of us. So much, in fact, that He pursues us when we are lost and lays us on His shoulders as He carries us home rejoicing. And in times where we are like the prodigal son, we must remind ourselves of the compassionate and loving Heavenly Father that awaits to joyfully embrace us in His arms when we return home.
Luke 15
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Is there something that keeps you from returning to your Heavenly Father? Does your fear, worry, or shame appear to be greater than the amazing grace of God? Knowing you are counted as righteous because the Good Shepherd laid down His life for you, what step could you take today to return home to the loving embrace of your Heavenly Father?
I LOVE the way God illustrates His feelings for His people. I have seen evidence of this over and over. Unlike many situations with fellow people where apology and return gives you a dose of humble pie, eating crow, rubbing your nose in it…God cherishes those that return. He seeks out the lost, values the found, and rolls out the red carpet for the returned. (Teaching me how to do the same as I witness and feel His compassion). HE IS MY GOD!
Thank you Heavenly Father! Oftentimes your example seem counterintuitive, but now that I have walked with you for awhile it makes sense. You are love, patience, forgiveness, kindness,self-control, confidence, and so much more. We live in a world that stands for the opposite.
Lest we not forget that WE are created in YOUR IMAGE!!!! Once you turn us around, and we die to sin and self, we are reunited with who we really are. We are reunited with who you created us to be, and you gave every single one of us a purpose. You created us before the heavens and knitted us in our mother’s womb. Every single person on this planet was created by you. Of course you pursue, value, and celebrate when we find our way! Just like a parent, but on an supernatural level.
Once we do return, you begin a work in our heart, and build us up to do your will. I love: 2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
He wants us all❤❤❤
The fruits of the spirit are the evidence of our growth.
Blessings!
It’s clear that Jesus was not only sent to judge, but to justify us, compassionately saving us.
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