FRIDAY 3.24.23: Joy When the Lost are Found – Luke 14:25-15:32
One of the “costs” of following Jesus was hearing pious people grumble, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Jesus didn’t even try to deny it. In three vivid stories, he told how finding a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost boy set off big parties, “joy in heaven.” In the last story, he pointedly added a recognizable older son who thought it was wrong to welcome the lost son home.
Reflection
• The Pharisees thought “bad people” don’t change. Jesus saw people much more as “lost” (like the sheep, coin or boy), and said God tirelessly seeks hearts gone off course. When have you lost your way spiritually and needed finding? Jesus said God rejoiced at every return. What has most helped you see God as more eager to welcome you home than to punish you for getting lost?
• Jesus left the older son’s story open, like that of the fig tree (cf. Luke 13:6-9). The father begged: “We had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive. He was lost and is found.” But most “older brothers” who heard Jesus didn’t want to welcome “sinners” home. It’s your turn at the party of faith. How does the Father’s appeal to welcome lost ones home shape your heart?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you always had “friends in low places.” But you always sought to draw them to higher ground. Give me the heart and the wisdom to live out your redemptive example. Amen.