I grew up on a farm and the wonder of little animals being born was always very special. I can remember being with my father and watching little pigs and calves being born. There is always something special about seeing a new life unfold.
In our story of the Lost Son, he became like a newborn. He was not born physically but spiritually, and this is where we pick up our story today. 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. [1]
The young man was described as dead because his relationship with his father was dead. He was dead in his sin. When his relationship with his father was restored, he was again connected to the father and was alive. Jesus writes about being connected to Him spiritually when He talks about the vine and the branches. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.[2] Luke 15:5-6
In Luke 15:10, Jesus gives us insight into the celebration in heaven when one person becomes a believer. In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” [3] Just as the father called for a celebration when his son went from death to life, the same thing happened when you became a believer in Jesus. Wow! There was a special day when the angels of heaven celebrated your new life. That was when you came to know Jesus as your Savior!
Who do you know that needs to hear the good news of Jesus and to experience new life in Christ?
To hear a conversation about the Parable of the Lost Son, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-the-divine-intruder/the-character-of-the-divine-intruder
[1, 2, 3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 15:20–24, John 15:5-6, Luke 15:10). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.