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Week of 8/27/06
Read Luke 15:11-32
(You can also copy and paste the links below to your web browser)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-32;&version=31;
Focus: Luke 15:20-21 (NIV) - So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
This is a parable (story with a spiritual meaning) that Jesus told about a father and two sons. The father in the story represents God. The younger son wanders away from home, but eventually comes to his senses and returns back to his father. By focusing on the verses above, we can see the unconditional love the father has for his son. The older son was very angry at his father for the special treatment he was giving his brother who had returned home. But the father reached out in love to him. We are not told how this story ends. We do not know if the older son changes his attitude and accepts his father’s love.
The younger son represents a sinner who recognizes their sin, repents, and asks for God’s forgiveness. God welcomes that person with open arms and saves them from their sin. The older son represents a person who has rejected God and has not experienced God’s forgiveness.
Application questions:
1) Which of these two sons best represents your life?
2) If you do not know Jesus as Savior, will you trust Him today?
Until next week, remember God loves you unconditionally. What will be your response to Him?
