“How to Party with the Father” – Luke 15

Luke 15:1-2

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Luke 15:22-24

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

Luke 15:31-32

“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Do you ever struggle with getting jokes or finding the point of a story? Most of the time, knowing the background helps, so I want to give context for this passage before we look at it further.

The Pharisees were upset because Jesus ate with sinners and they didn’t believe that God the Father would approve. Yet, Jesus gave three examples of the value of those who are lost. He further demonstrated the Father’s joy in the return of the lost son.

In the end, Jesus compared the older brother to the Pharisees. The brother was mad because the Father celebrated the prodigal’s return while he had been “the good son” remaining at home. But the Father told him to get over it and celebrate with them.

The point is, the Father wants the lost to be rescued and restored. The Father wants the whole house to celebrate the prodigal’s return. So, follow the Father’s lead. Don’t follow the son into the far country, but be there when he returns. Be a place for the lost to find help when they have spent all and come to the end. Celebrate their return as God celebrated ours.

I Thank God that He didn’t throw me away. He cleaned me up and organized a party with His people to celebrate my salvation.

Use the HEAR method as you spend time with today’s passage:

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?

Explain – what does the passage mean?

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Pastor Stephen Williams

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