Jesus was indeed a great teacher! Many times, in the Bible, we see Him communicating through stories and parables. Among my favorites is the parable of the prodigal son. This story in Luke chapter 15 was intentionally communicating about “the lost”. This conversation was triggered by the Pharisees and teachers of the law who judged Jesus for welcoming sinners and eating with them. Like on many other occasions, He conveyed His message through parables. He started with a parable about the lost sheep, for which the shepherd leaves ninety-nine others to find. Then, a parable of the lost coin, which a woman diligently searches for and rejoices after finding. This was then concluded by the parable about the lost son.
In all three parables, what was lost had one thing in common: they had lost proximity to their owners. First, for the lost sheep, the shepherd had to run after it since it was no longer in proximity. The coin was lost so the woman had to sweep the house and search carefully. The son had chosen to depart to a distant land, separating himself from his father’s presence, and he was declared “found” when he returned home. The son being declared found reveals that he had indeed been lost.
I struggle to imagine what was going on in the sheep’s mind when it left the shepherd, but not the son’s. If you pause and reflect on what he did after getting his share, you can understand what drove him to request it. The Bible says, “not long after” (Luke 15:13 NIV), as if it was almost as soon as he received the share that he gathered all he had and left to a distant country to live a way he craved. This guy probably wanted a life where no one told him what to do, with no restraint or guidance. He was maybe tired of being under his father’s authority. So, he set off to where his father wouldn’t see him and indulged himself in every wild thing he desired.
In the beginning, it probably was fun after fun until he had spent all he had. Then a severe famine struck the country. The lost son faced two problems at once. Even if there had been no famine, he still would have struggled because he had already consumed all his possessions. But now, with the famine on top of that “he began to be in need,” the Bible says (Luke 15:14), and this undoubtedly in many different areas of his life. For instance, I can imagine that the landlord chased him away, his fancy shoes worn out, and he couldn’t even afford a simple pair of sandals. The need specifically emphasized in the Bible, is the need for food. It was extreme to the point that he longed for pigs’ food, which he was denied.
This situation went on until he came back to his senses. He realized that he was in need because he was not at home. He recalled his father’s home’s sufficiency, more than enough to satisfy even the servants until they had more to spare. His thirst for reckless life had blinded him to his home’s sufficiency. Then he concluded, “I will set out and go back to my father” (Luke 15:18 NIV). He didn’t expect to be received as a son, but rather, as a servant, at most (Luke 15:19).
"His thirst for reckless life had blinded him to his home’s sufficiency."
This did not end as thought. He actually got up and went to his father’s house. Before he could present the thoughtful apology that he had prepared in full, the father saw him from afar, ran to him and embraced and kissed him. The father was filled with compassion, revealed through so much affection he had toward him. The sight of the son in torn clothes, worn-out sandals, and other visible signs of lack was unbearable to the father. Hence, the father quickly commanded the servants to bring the best robe, sandals, and a ring for him to wear. He covered his shame, lest he became the talk of the neighborhood. There was great rejoicing, for the lost son was found.
The parable of the lost son reveals God’s unfailing love. Even when we sin, He patiently waits; and when we return in faith, Christ’s blood cleanses us (1 John 1:7). He gives beauty for ashes and joy instead of mourning (Isaiah 61:3 NIV), restores His covenant of love with a ring (Luke 15:22), and covers us with His righteousness like a robe (Isaiah 61:10). Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). This reveals the mind of God that wants the lost to be found. God is like a good shepherd who loves each one of His sheep; that’s why in the Kingdom of God, the lost are sought, and when found, there is rejoicing. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
Dear lost son,
You have been in deep need ever since you left your Father’s presence. You’ve wandered far, and though the world seemed bright for a moment, it now feels empty. But just like in Eden, the voice of God still echoes: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9).
Your Father is watching the road, waiting for your return (Luke 15:20). You don’t need to fix yourself first; just come home. He will clothe you in grace, restore your dignity, and rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV).
Lost sons, it’s time. Let’s go home.
Jeremiah 15:19 “Therefore, this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.”
"The parable of the lost son reveals God’s unfailing love. Even when we sin, He patiently waits; and when we return in faith, Christ’s blood cleanses us"
Prayer:
Father, I have turned away from You, choosing momentary satisfaction over Your presence. I have grieved You with my choice choices and mercilessly left Your presence, yet You have loved me with an everlasting love. Father God, restore in me a clean heart and help me to truly repent. Father, I am back, have mercy on me and teach my heart to forget the fleeting joys of this world. Guide my steps back to You, for You have said that once I repent You will restore me. Father, you alone are my home. Draw me again into Your loving arms and unite my heart with Yours. Help me remain in Your presence and honor Your word so that where You are, I also shall be. Holy Spirit, take over.