#1178. The lost son returns (31/10/24)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series. Today, from Luke 15:11-24, we reflect on how Jesus uses another parable - this one about a lost son who comes home - to show us how we can all fail and fall, but we can all come home.

Luke 15:11–24

To watch this devotional, select the link below

https://youtu.be/Mc1_ipy3Imc

‘Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate…”’ (Luke 15:11-24)

Luke 15:11–24

Today, we begin to look at the last of the three parable of lost and found things. Over the last two devotionals, we’ve focussed on the first two lessons that God wants to teach through these analogies of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Firstly, we saw that this was a correction to the self-righteous - like God they need to value rather than condemn the lost things. Secondly, we saw that Jesus is teaching all of us that we are lost and need to be found. Today, we see that we can all fail and fall but can all come home.

We can all fail and fall

This parable teaches that we can all, like this lost son, lose our way and go astray. This is why we are encouraged:

‘Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’ (Galatians 6:1-2)

Galatians 6:1–2

We can all become unfaithful, distracted and selfish and find ourselves in the pigsty - and something this is the best thing can happen and be the making of us! Because we can all fail and fall, it’s vital that we are in a church community that is looking out for us.

‘Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’ (Galatians 6:1-2)

Galatians 6:1–2

We can all come home

This parable teaches, not only that we can fail and fall, but we also see that all, no matter the mess they’re in, can come home. Whatever state you are in right now, God welcomes you home. Jesus’ blood and cross are enough to remove the darkest of stains from our account and from our consciences.

Let’s celebrate with God

Finally, and we’ll think more about this tomorrow, do you see God’s attitude to the sinner who comes home? Are you enjoying His celebration over you or are you allowing the ‘accuser’ to condemn and rob you of peace. Let’s be reminded of our Father’s ongoing attitude toward us as He says over us continually:

‘“Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate…”’

Let’s pray together

“Lord Jesus, I thank you for welcoming me home from my condemned and lost state. I thank you for rejoicing over me, and all who return home through you. I know that I’m not even worthy to be your servant but you call me your child. Help me to enjoy afresh your amazing grace and live in the joy of your celebration. Amen.”