SCRIPTURE: Luke 15 

KEY POINTS TO PONDER: Notice whom Jesus’ audience is in verses 1-3. Jesus pursues the lost and rejoices when that which is lost becomes found. The story of the lost son shows that there are two ways to be lost: through reckless living and by trying to earn acceptance through keeping all of the rules. It’s interesting that in the first two parables someone goes out looking for that which is lost. In the final parable no one goes out looking for the younger son. Perhaps that was the job of the elder brother. Our true elder brother, Jesus, will always pursue us. 

CHALLENGING TERMS: The fattened calf (v. 23) would have been kept for special occasions. The father’s response to the son’s return was undeniably radically loving and forgiving. 

REFLECTION: To what extent are you pursuing someone who may be lost in your life? Which of the two brothers do you most relate to? Why? 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the way you radically love and forgive no matter where we stray from you!