Parable of the Lost Son

July 27 – The Parable of the Lost Son – Luke 15:1-32

                The account we are about to examine is one of the most beloved and well known of Jesus’ parable.  It is the classic story of failure and redemption. 

                Jesus the master story teller talks about a son who asks his father for his portion of his inheritance.  This son then goes to a far off land where he spends his money on foolish and poor choices.  When the money runs out he find himself in dire straits.  He finally is able to get a job on a pig farm.  This is obviously the worst job in the world for a fine Jewish boy.  After a while he becomes so impoverished that even the pig food begins to look good.  He comes to his senses and goes back to his father repenting. 

                The father more than accepts him back.  He puts on a feast in his honor.  The older brother comes back and becomes jealous.  The father tells the older son that everything he has belongs to Him.  He should rejoice over his brother who has come back.  Here are some life lessons we can learn from this story.

1.        Living in the world brings nothing but despair and anguish over time.  We have so much more when we live for the Father and do His business.

2.        When we come to our senses then we begin to see how hopeless things really are and we come back to the Father who receives us back with open arms.

3.        We as brothers in Christ must welcome back all who have gone astray and we are to do it with love.