Daily SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15: 11- 32 25 November 2023
BASIC SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15: 11- 32
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Luke 15:11-32 contains the well-known parable of the Prodigal Son, which Jesus told to illustrate God’s immense love, mercy, and forgiveness.
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Here’s a brief summary of the parable:
A man had two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance and left his father to live a reckless life. He squandered all his wealth in wild living and found himself in poverty during a famine. In desperation, he decided to return home, repentant and willing to be a servant in his father’s house.
When the father saw his son returning, he ran to meet him, embraced him, and celebrated his return with joy. He ordered a feast to be prepared, for his son who was lost had been found.
The older son, who had remained with his father and worked faithfully, became angry upon hearing of the celebration for his younger brother’s return. He felt it was unfair that his father welcomed back the prodigal son with such extravagance.
The father, in his love and mercy, explained that the celebration was because his lost son had returned, emphasizing the need to rejoice. He affirmed the elder son’s position but highlighted the importance of compassion and forgiveness.
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This parable teaches profound lessons:
- God’s Unconditional Love and Forgiveness: It shows the depth of God’s love and forgiveness. Despite the younger son’s mistakes, the father eagerly welcomed him back, symbolizing God’s compassion and willingness to forgive our shortcomings.
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Repentance and Restoration: The parable highlights the power of repentance and the possibility of restoration. The prodigal son realized his mistakes and returned to his father, seeking forgiveness.
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Jealousy and Judgment: It addresses issues of jealousy and judgment, as seen in the elder son’s reaction. It teaches about the importance of understanding and compassion towards those who repent and return.
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The Father’s Heart: It reveals the heart of God the Father, who longs for the return of those who are lost and rejoices when they repent and come back to Him.
Reflecting on this parable can inspire prayers of gratitude for God’s forgiveness, a desire for repentance, and a heart of compassion towards others. It’s a reminder of God’s immense love and the call to emulate that love in our relationships with others.
