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WEEK 9

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE


“Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons.  The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living.  When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger!  I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’  So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.  Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’  But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on.  He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him.  But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends.  But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’  Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.  But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’” 

                            — Luke 15:11-32


INTRODUCTION 

Of all of Jesus’ parables, this is most well known and loved.  We know what it’s like to “live lost,” and we know what it’s like to have someone we love “live lost.”  We know that this is OUR story, and we draw much comfort from its ending of forgiveness and welcome.


This story is also the perfect way to bring together all that we have looked at the past weeks about the kingdom.  Really, this parable could be titled, Everything You Need to Know About the Kingdom.  Abundance:  the heart of the father overflows with love and grace for both of his sons.  Commitment:  the father never gave up waiting and watching for his beloved son to come home.  Wisdom:  the lost son recognized the foolishness of his situation and wisely returned home.  Acceptance and shelter:  even though the son had behaved miserably, he was received back with open arms.  Celebration:  a welcome home party that unfortunately includes the reminder that there are those who grumble at grace.


And of course, if this is a story bringing together all of the love and joy of the kingdom, it is above all a story about the King of the Kingdom.  It’s a story that reminds us that one day the King will shout out to us, “Welcome home!”

INVITATIONS

  • Reflect on this week’s scripture.  Are there any words or ideas that especially resonate with you or challenge you? 

  • Read through the story from various points of view:  the younger brother, the older brother, the father, those who partied with the younger brother, the owner of the pigs, the household servants.  What might these points of view tell you about our journey of faith—the good, bad, and the indifferent in it?


  • What has surprised you as you have reflected on the parables?  What’s been meaningful for you as you have reflected on the kingdom, the King, and yourself?

  • What’s one insight you want to carry into your daily living and faith from this study?



THIS WEEK’S PRAYER

Jesus, King of the Kingdom, your abundance, commitment, wisdom, shelter, and acceptance

overwhelm my heart
with joy.
In that joy, I know that you truly desire to welcome me home
to your Kingdom.
 


Amen.