[:en]The Parable of the Lost Sheep (vs. 1-9)
The sheep wandered around and lost. The shepherd left the ninety nine in the sheepfold and went to look for the one lost. He searched diligently and when he found the sheep, he rejoiced with his neighbors and friends.
We are like the lost sheep that have gone astrayed from the Christian faith. But in His love, God seeks out each one of us and rejoices when we are found.
Jesus associated with sinners because He wanted everyone considered beyond hope to hear the Good news of God’s Kingdom. We too, who are saved, must assist in leading the lost souls to faith in Christ. There will be rejoicing in heaven for one to became a member of the family of God.
The Parable of the Lost Coin (vs. 8-10)
Palestinian women received 10 silver coins as a wedding gift that has monetary and sentimental values. To lose one would be extremely distressing for the woman. When a woman lost one of it, she had to light a lamp, sweep the floor and search carefully until she found it. And when it was found, she would celebrate with her friends.
The woman lost the coin because of carelessness. When the coin is lost, it has no value in itself because it is being out of service. But when it is found and back in place, it becomes valuable again. Sometimes, we fall into sin because of our weakness and temptations. Like the woman who lost the coin, our Heavenly Father never stop to seek for us to return to His fold. And when we return, there will be joy of celebration.
What are we going to do when we see people in the church that have gone astray? Do we try to being him back? What is your relationship with those whom you know have wandered from the faith?
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (vs. 11-32)
The youngest son rebelled, took his share of estate and left. He squandered all his wealth in wild living and because penniless. There was a great famine and he was suffering from hunger. Then he came to his senses and decided to return and become a hired man of his father. When his father saw the son from a distance, he was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. He gave his son the best robe, a ring, sandals and a feast to celebrate his homecoming.
When the older son came home and saw what was going on, he became angry and refused to join in. His father went out and pleaded with him, he complained about the unfairness of his father by saying” “Look! All these years I have been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” (vs. 29-30)
Lessons:
The younger son committed sins of flesh (rebellion and laziness) – but he realized his mistakes, humbled himself and return home.
The older sons committed sins of spirit. He was obedient and diligent but he had pride, anger and was unforgiving.
The Father was patient, kind and forgiving. He was willing to forget the past of his younger son and accept him so that he could start a new beginning.
Which one do you relate to? The young son, the older son or the Father?
“The Parable of the Prodigal Son manifests 4 kinds of Joy. Joy of Repentance, Joy of Returning, Joy of Rejoicing and Joy of Forgiving” – Warren Wiersbe[:]