Parables - Wisdom for LifeSample

Jesus didn’t hang out with the VIPs of the day. He spent time with all kinds of people, which made the religious leaders mad. They grumbled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” That’s why Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son. Jesus showed them that we should celebrate when lost people are found!

Jesus told the last of the lost stories. A father had two sons. The youngest moved away from home but didn’t live a good life. However, when the son returned, sorry for what he had done, the father threw a big party with a feast to celebrate.

Many people think the story ends there that it’s just about the lost son coming home, but it’s really about two sons! The older son, who had stayed with his father, heard the celebration and was mad. He was so angry that he didn’t want to go to the party.

Jesus was making His point to these pious religious men who were angry about the kind of people Jesus was spending time with. At times, you and I might be like that older brother, but the attitude Jesus would want us to have is one of celebration! When a lost person is found, we should be over the moon with excitement. One who was lost is now found!