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lost and found

Luke 15:20-24
"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."

Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) reveals God’s heart for the lost. The younger son disrespectfully demands his inheritance early, leaves home, squanders it on reckless living, and hits rock bottom—feeding pigs during a famine, a degrading low for any Jew. Coming to his senses, he plans to return repentant, offering to serve as a hired hand, no longer worthy of sonship.

In today's verses, he returns. The father spots him from afar, runs (an undignified act in that culture), embraces, and kisses him before the apology finishes. Instead of punishment, he restores full sonship: the best robe (honor), ring (authority), sandals (freedom), and a feast with the fattened calf. He declares, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

The father represents God, who eagerly welcomes repentant sinners with unearned grace—no penance required. The feast echoes heavenly joy over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7, 10). No sin is too great for God’s forgiveness when met with genuine repentance.

How does this parable make you feel? Relieved? Upset that the son pays no price for his sins?

What did the original audience think? Tax collectors and sinners, drawn to Jesus (Luke 15:1), likely identified deeply with the prodigal—realizing they too could return “home” to God’s open arms without earning it.

The Pharisees and scribes, grumbling about Jesus welcoming sinners were likely offended or disturbed by the father’s lavish generosity, seeing it as unfair to the “righteous” who had stayed obedient. The parable challenged their self-righteousness and lack of joy over repentant sinners.

What do you think? How might others respond today—joyful relief, resentment at “cheap grace,” or something else?
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