#disciplemaking
#adventcalendarday15
#willyoujoinme

Hi everyone – please go ahead and read Luke 15.

At first glance it’s such a relief to read this triplet of Parables: “The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin & The Lost Son” – they’re all stories of rescue, inclusion and celebration – and they give a really clear picture of God’s heart. I especially love the emphasis Jesus makes of the one who’s lost something (representing God), actively searching until what was lost (us) is found.

But the beginning and end of the chapter are important ‘bookends’. We might think given the story-lines, that everyone is included. However we’re told that the parables come in response to the Pharisees muttering that Jesus was spending time with outcasts – sinners. And at the end it’s unclear if the older brother (representing the Pharisees in the parable) chooses to join the celebration or not. God’s heart is clear – BOTH younger (representing sinners generally) and older brother can enjoy ‘the fruit of the farm’.

Because of what Luke has previously told us, it’s no surprise to us that Jesus is spending time with sinners – we expect it. But the Pharisees had real problems with it because of their laws and the need to stay ritually clean. Sin was like dirt that you can’t remove and it was thought to rub off on anyone who made contact with sinners. In the days of Jesus, sin was ‘removed’ by making sacrifices at the temple.

In order to enjoy ‘the fruit of the farm’, we ALL need to make a response:

1. “Younger brothers” need to repent and return to their father. This means realising that you’ve made the worst mistakes, that you have deliberately avoided accountability with God and return to him ‘begging’ him to accept your broken self

• “Older brothers” need to do the work of the Kingdom, enjoy being in the Father’s presence and welcome any younger brothers who join them. This means living every day as though God is the most important factor in your life. Submitting to his will and purpose – making sacrifices of time, independence and self-determination. Celebrating all that God has done and is doing for you and especially welcoming those who are struggling to return and belong.

• Who do you relate to in the three parables?
• What response do you think God is asking of you?
• In which areas of your life do you need to repent?
• How can you recommit to serving God?
• How might you demonstrate the father’s love and welcome to any ‘prodigals’ (lost son / sinners) you know?