Luke Chapter 15
This chapter, I think, is one of the most beautiful descriptions of Jesus’ love for us. He came to earth to establish His kingdom – a kingdom that would be magnified in the hearts of all those who place their trust in the redemptive work of Jesus. The first step that everyone needs to take to put their trust in Jesus, is to recognize that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. Secondly, they must repent of their sins, then allow the beautiful cleansing spirit of God to wash over them. When this happens, it brings so much joy to heaven!
The parable of the prodigal son is told in this chapter. The son left home to “go and find himself,” as we would say today. And like the story of many young people, he lost his way. He found himself living amongst pigs and wishing for table scraps to eat from his father’s house back home.
Let's Reflect
1. Who did the Pharisees and scribes see Jesus eating with?
2. Jesus’ answer to their scrutinizing eyes was to tell them a parable of the lost sheep. Who besides the shepherd was rejoicing over a hypothetical lost sheep?
3. There is another group that rejoices over a sinner who repents. Who is it that has much joy as seen in verse 10?
4. We all start out life the same exact way – lost. We are lost and destined to eternal judgment because we are all sinners. But these parables teach us that Jesus is looking for us, and He is filled with joy when He finds us. In the parable of the lost coin, we learn that we are valuable to God. When He has found us (we have surrendered to Him), He is filled with joy. Take a few moments to picture in your mind your life before you came to Christ Jesus and what it felt like when you discovered Him. Now imagine that you can see Jesus smiling and filled with joy because you have accepted Him as your Savior! You are so valuable to Him! What does verse 10 tell you about the celebration that Jesus had when you accepted Him as your Savior?
5. The prodigal son was promised a life of abundance (financial abundance) and when given the chance he squandered it all away. What did the other brother do with the abundance that had been given to him?
6. When the prodigal son returned home – dirty, smelling and starving, how did his father receive him? How does the heavenly father receive sinners?
7. I tear up whenever I see a baptismal service, because it is so emotional knowing that person just passed from death to life. In the parable of the prodigal son returning, how did the father explain the reason for celebrating his wayward brother’s return? That’s how Jesus feels about us when we come to Him. Whether it is our salvation experience or when we’ve lost our way and backslidden, He rejoices when we come home! [Do a google search for the Lyrics of the song “Remind Me Who I Am” by: Jason Gray]
Devotionals
