The JESUS Film 24 Day ChallengeSample

"The JESUS Film 24-Day Challenge: Day 15"

Review

God wants those who are lost to be found. In Luke 15, we read three parables from Jesus, centering on something that was lost. A shepherd seeks a missing sheep; a woman searches for a misplaced coin; and a father joyfully welcomes home his prodigal son.

In each parable, Jesus correlated being lost with being a sinner—because we are truly lost in our sins. However, like the father in the third parable, God rushes out to welcome His lost loved ones home. When we follow the example of the prodigal son and confess our sins, God restores us, provides for us, and calls us His family.

It’s heartbreaking to realize that many people believe they’re “too far gone,” and that God can never forgive them. But the opposite is true. God’s forgiveness and love are infinite, therefore they are infinitely greater than our sins when we repent and come to Him.

Reflect

• What do these three parables teach us about God’s character?
• What lessons can we learn about father/son relationships in the story of the prodigal son?
• Some people think the father was wrong to invite his son back home. What do you think?
• The elder brother who stayed home represents the Pharisees, who were upset because Jesus spent time with sinners, forgiving them for their sins. Do we sometimes have that same jealous attitude?

Respond

Father, thank You for Your grace in seeking out the lost and inviting us into Your kingdom. Forgive us for being like the elder brother, who resented the welcome the father gave to the prodigal. Thank You that angels in heaven rejoice when a sinner comes to repentance. Help me encourage prodigals living in the world to come home to their waiting Father.

In Jesus’ name, amen.