In Luke 15, we find three stories about lost things—a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. The story begins with the Pharisees grumbling that Jesus had surrounded Himself with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:2). Each story ends with a celebration when what was lost is found. But the parable of the lost son ends with an older brother grumbling and refusing to celebrate his once-lost-now-found younger brother (15:28).
Jesus cast the grumbling Pharisees as the angry older brother in His parable. While everyone celebrates the lost being found, the Pharisees can only fret (Luke 15:29). They believe their moral behavior means they should be celebrated, not these sinners who repent.
The father responds to his older son’s anger by reminding him that everything he owns is already his (15:31). Since he’s the rightful heir, he does not need to feel jealous that his father’s affection is being spent lavishly on his repentant brother. Just like the lost coin and the lost sheep, anyone who loves the Father will celebrate when what was once dead is found alive (15:32).
This final parable is a warning to the Pharisees. If they continue to grumble and refuse to celebrate when sinners are saved, they will prove they have never loved God or the people He calls His family. The grumbling Pharisees, like the grumbling Israelites in the wilderness, will be judged for their lack of faith.
God is a generous and lavish Father toward prodigal sons. Like a shepherd, He will walk into the night to find His lost sheep. Like a diligent woman, He will sweep and seek until He finds His treasure. There are no lengths, heights, or depths He is unwilling to travel to find His people (Ephesians 3:18).
Jesus shows us that our heavenly Father will rescue sheep trapped in the valley of death. Jesus dies so He can proclaim good news to those who, like the prodigal, are already dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1). Because of Jesus’ resurrection, no death, life, power, demon, or future in all of creation can separate us from God’s lavish love and His celebration over us (Romans 8:38).
Prayer Prompts:
- Ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see God as an extravagant Father
- Acknowledge Jesus as the one who gave His life to make the dead alive and the lost found
- Praise Him that as His children, we can never be separated from His love