Ah yes – the “prodigal” son! I prefer the “lost” son, mainly because of the words of the father as he welcomed reconciliation with his son, who has obviously had a change of heart. Be careful as you read – sometimes the most common teachings of Jesus are the deepest – and there is much yet to be discovered as our own lives unfold.
Luke 15 contains a number of parables which amplify the lost nature of where we find ourselves. Read the following passage as you take a look at our team’s conversation about this heart-changing story!
Luke 15:17-24
“But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! ‘I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’
“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the prize calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
With whom do you most identify? The lost son? The older son? The father? The mom? The servants who are participating?
Here’s A Good Lost Son Song
Here is a group conversation about the Lost Son. Enjoy!