God’s Word of Love

Introduction

Luke 15:11-32: Yesterday’s reading included two parables about items that were lost (Luke 15:1-10). Today’s reading is a story about a lost son, and it is the third in a trilogy of three parables about what is lost being found.

Scripture Reading

The Lost Son

11Jesus went on to say, “There was once a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the property now.’ So the man divided his property between his two sons. 13After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. 14He spent everything he had. Then a severe famine spread over that country, and he was left without a thing. 15So he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him out to his farm to take care of the pigs. 16He wished he could fill himself with the bean pods the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything to eat. 17At last he came to his senses and said, ‘All my father’s hired workers have more than they can eat, and here I am about to starve! 18I will get up and go to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against God and against you. 19I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers.”’ 20So he got up and started back to his father.

“He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. 21‘Father,’ the son said, ‘I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.’ 22But the father called to his servants. ‘Hurry!’ he said. ‘Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. 23Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! 24For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.’ And so the feasting began.

25“In the meantime the older son was out in the field. On his way back, when he came close to the house, he heard the music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him, ‘What’s going on?’ 27‘Your brother has come back home,’ the servant answered, ‘and your father has killed the prize calf, because he got him back safe and sound.’ 28The older brother was so angry that he would not go into the house; so his father came out and begged him to come in. 29But he spoke back to his father, ‘Look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends! 30But this son of yours wasted all your property on prostitutes, and when he comes back home, you kill the prize calf for him!’ 31‘My son,’ the father answered, ‘you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.’”

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 15:32

“We had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.”

Reflect

While today’s reading is a story that is often referred to as “The Parable of the Prodigal Son,” it is really a story about a father and two sons. How does the father display his love for the younger son who returns home after wasting his money recklessly? How does the father display his love for the older son who remained at home? With whom do you identify in this story? What does this parable teach you about God’s love?

Pray

Loving God, you are always ready to welcome into your kingdom those who have strayed. Thank you for seeking me when I am lost and restoring me to your fold. Your steadfast love revives my soul and fills me with joy. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 18:15-30: Jesus teaches about entering the Kingdom of God like a child.