The Essential Jesus (Part 10): The Parables of JesusSample

Sinners Welcome!

PRAY: Lord, please show me anything that stands in the way of drawing closer to you.

READ: Luke 15:1-32

REFLECT: My church is located on a very busy road. Because of that, we sometimes put up a huge sign over the main entrance that says "Welcome!" We want to attract as many people as possible to worship with us. But after reading today's passage, I wonder if we should change the sign to say, "Sinners Welcome!" I'm not sure if that would attract more or less people.

I am sure that Jesus would love the change because sinners were the focus of his ministry, a point that confounded the religious leaders (v. 2). They thought religion should be reserved only for "good people" like themselves. But Jesus demonstrated that true religion was for bad people; all of us are sinners (Romans 3:23). That's a tough nut for anyone to swallow, so Jesus told three parables to explain what he meant.

The first two, about a lost coin and a lost sheep (vv. 3-10), are fairly straightforward. If you've ever misplaced a large amount of cash or lost a beloved pet, you can understand the feelings Jesus describes. That's how God feels about sinners. He knows they're lost, and he really wants to find them. That's good news.

The third parable, about the prodigal (wasteful) son (vv. 11-32), is more personal and adds a plot twist: sin. The younger brother willfully does all the wrong things and deserves to be punished. As he blubbers on with a rehearsed apology (vv. 18-19), the suspense builds as we wonder how the father will react. Will it be the cold shoulder, an angry tongue lashing, or complete rejection? It's none of these. The father responds joyfully to a sinner who has come home (vv. 22-24). In fact, the theme that unites the three parables is joy (vv. 6-7, 9, 23); God rejoices when sinners repent (vv. 7, 10). That's even more good news.

But here's the catch: to experience that joyful reunion with God, you've got to admit that without him, you're lost. You must come to grips with your own sin. That's something the older brother (and the religious leaders) were unwilling to do (vv. 25-30). But it's the necessary first step to a relationship with God.

APPLY: With which character can you identify more: the younger or the older brother? Why?

PRAY: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times when I act like the older brother. Thank you that you are willing to welcome me back with open arms.